On Monday, October 13 HC sent a student to report on the FCPS board meeting. It was a planning meeting that focused on two critical issues; the adoption of a new accountability model for all FCPS schools, and the contentious proposal to hire an external auditing committee.
Assistant Superintendent Bill Bradford presented goals made by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). He explains that previously there have been six indicators of a high school’s success which include state assessment results in reading and math, state assessment results in science, social studies, and writing. As well as English learners progress, quality of school’s climate and safety, transition readiness, and graduation rate.
Each school in Kentucky has been given a color rating based on those six indicators deciding the school’s overall performance rating.
The focuses that will come from the new accountability model include collaboration with no more color ratings, local innovation, feedback and support instead of compliance, and a larger focus on vibrant learning.
Vibrant learning is meant to move beyond traditional memorization and passive instruction into more dynamic, meaningful learning that hopes to spark creativity and curiosity.
With the new model, FCPS hopes to move away from standardized testing towards more tailored assessments that have direct input from the community.
In another presentation, the audit committee explained that if the district decides to hire an external auditor that was requested by the community, the firm would conduct a data analysis to inform them of a need for a forensic engagement.
The firm would also review travel and event expenses made by the senior leadership of the board in the last three fiscal years to ensure money is being allocated properly.
On October 27, the board approved the audit committee’s recommendations for an external audit. The investigation will begin next month.
