By Al Dozier
Enrollment projections for the 2019-2020 School Year show Lexington District 2 continuing at the same level.
According to preliminary figures released to the school board at the August 1 meeting, enrollment for the coming year is projected at 8,913 students, slightly higher than the 2018-2019 total of 8,763. District officials emphasized the final count won’t be available for another few weeks.
Enrollment at Airport and Brookland-Cayce High Schools was about the same as last year. Pupil-teacher ratio was good at most schools. Areas of concern included Riverbank Elementary School’s Oasis fifth-grade program, where the ratio was 26 to 1, and Congaree Elementary second grade, where the ratio was 25.6 to 1.
The board held a long discussion on revisions to grading and assessment systems, which have undergone statewide changes. The changes update grading scales on kindergarten through second grade standards-based grading. The administration also included updates on new sections on academic honors and honor graduates, and the process for valedictorian and salutatorian selections.
Some board members questioned restrictions place on students whose academic status was based on performance in other school districts, but the board agreed to give final approval to the changes.
The board deferred action on a new digital marquee sign for New Bridge Academy.
“We planned to bring a recommendation, but it fell through,” Chief Operations Officer Don Icenhower advised the board. He said the district will be considering new contract proposals.
Teachers return to Lexington 2 for the new school year August 13. The first day of school is August 19.
The day before the first day of school August 18, the Lexington Two Innovation Center is offering free haircuts and hair styling from 1-5 pm The cosmetology department will partner with area barbers and stylists for the back-to-school event.
