Worth County Showing Progress in Academic Scores

Superintendent Chris Healy reported at the Worth County School Board meeting Wednesday that the district showed strong progress in its Comprehensive School Improvement Plan. There was a 13% increase in student performance on critical thinking questions and a 44% increase in students reading at or above grade level on end-of-year assessments. On State Assessment scores, Worth County students scored above the state average in 16 out of 18 subject areas. Overall, average scores increased by 3% compared to 2025.

The Federal Programs evaluation was rated as Excellent. Strengths listed include 1.43 FTE Reading teachers and 1 FTE Math teacher. The District provides Title I services school-wide, meaning all students are eligible to receive additional support in the areas of Communication Arts and Math. There is support to create Reading Success Plans, and there were successful Title I Fall and Spring events. Concerns listed include the fact that all funds are spent on personnel, meaning programs that were funded in the past must come from local funds. Title I, II, and IV allocations come out to $100,083. The school spends $128,120 on Title programs.

The Parents as Teachers program was rated as Above Average. Strengths listed include the fact that the Parent Educator is trained and is building relationships with families. Group connections are highly attended. Concerns listed include the fact that visits decreased by 58% in 2026-226. Other issues include contacting and communication with eligible families, an increased number of students screened, and high-needs families reluctant to meet.

The Special Education Program was rated as Excellent. There are three Special Education teachers. Students are in the process of preparing for life after school. On Wednesday, a group of Special Ed students along with their teachers took a tour of the Hy-Vee store. Teachers and paraprofessionals participated in autism training. ACES provides therapists as needed. Special Ed teachers work with teachers to address the needs of Special Ed students in the regular classroom.

Concerns listed include the fact that several high needs students require extra resources. Other concerns include handling of various behaviors, autism, and Down’s Syndrome. There is no gifted program. There are a large number of students at the same time in the elementary.

The board accepted two grants. The first is a Scrap Tire grant to resurface the Pre-K and Kindergarten playgrounds. The second is a $9,600 donation from A Few Good Men and the Worth County Education Foundation to support a new Life Skills Classroom.

Elementary Principal Amber Hawk reported that Mr. Smith is starting the Worth County Youth Singers. This will replace the CoderZ Club.

Grandparents Day was held on September 11^th. There were 470 grandparents at the school. The biggest class for students and grandparents was the first grade with 114.

Ms. Hawk explained the Friday Friends program at the school. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunches or are facing unforeseen circumstances are eligible for the program. Participation is optional. Each Friday, students receive a sack of food in their backpacks for the weekend. There is no cost to families. Funds are raised through donations from churches, individuals, and grants. This is a program of the school and Mission Possible.

The Sixth Grade DARE program has started; it is being led by Deputy Sheriff Jason Cain.

Middle School & High School Principal Carl Parman reported on events coming up. September 25^th will be the Homecoming game with Albany with the Y2K theme. Worth County won back-to-back state titles in 2000 and 2001.

A Professional Development day was held Monday. Teachers are focusing on growth plans, including practices to improve critical thinking and preparing students for real-world problems.

Counselor Anna Gladstone has met with every class in Middle School and High School and went through a suicide prevention presentation for Suicide Awareness Month. Ms. Gladstone will take sophomore students to a docudrama in Pickering; this is a simulated crash and response to help teach the dangers of distracted driving as well as driving under the influence.