A year ago, the Mid-Prairie School Board formed an elementary study group made up of teachers, administrators, and parents, to look at ways to improve student learning. At the most recent school board meeting, the group presented findings and recommendations. Superintendent Mark Schneider says the group met once a month and the three areas they focused on were things they’re doing well and should continue, things they’re not doing well that need to stop or be changed, and things they’re not doing that they need to start. With those areas in mind, the group recommended seven options for ways to improve the district, including making learning more personalized and normalizing class sizes at each elementary in the district.

Schneider says it’s in the hands of the school board to decide where to take it from here. He explains, “At the first January meeting, we will discuss the report and discuss what the board wants to do with that. Obviously the board could decide to do nothing. Or they may decide that they want to study the issue more. They may decide that they want to officially adopt that vision for the district for elementary learning, in which case we’ll have a foundation to work with. They may decide to adopt the seven priorities as a framework.” Schneider adds, the board has a lot of work ahead of them, and may still want to discuss options further with parents, teachers, and administrators. He was appreciative of everyone who took time to help with the group.