At its August meeting, Superintendent Jennifer Covington presented a detailed report to the Board of Education on the district’s first-year results for the Board of Education Priorities and Strategic Plan 2025–2030.

Anchored by the district’s core mission—“Every Student, Every Opportunity, Every day”—the five-year roadmap sets quantifiable key performance indicators (KPIs) across three main priority pillars: Student Achievement, Student and Staff Safety and Wellness, and Operational Excellence and Fiscal Responsibility.

The report highlighted gains in early elementary literacy and mathematics, while also identifying key areas where the district will continue to focus its efforts to improve student outcomes.

Priority 1: Student Achievement

Early Literacy & Primary Math Surge Ahead

The primary grade levels delivered the strongest outcomes of the first evaluation cycle. Driven by district-wide emphasis on the Science of Reading and structured math interventions, K–3 students significantly outperformed early benchmarks:

• K–3 Reading Progress (Acadience Pathway of Progress): The district aimed for 63% of students in grades K–3 to make typical or better progress. Year-one results came in at 66%, surpassing the benchmark (target: 73% by 2030).
• 1–3 Math Progress (Acadience): Targeted at 60% for year one, primary students achieved a 70% typical-or-better progress rate, outstripping expectations (target: 70% by 2030).
• 3rd Grade Reading Level Proficiency: Designed to hit 80% by 2030, the district set a 67% goal for 2026. Third-graders met and exceeded this milestone, posting 68% proficiency.

Under state policy, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, elementary schools performing below the statewide goal for third-grade reading must allocate at least 50% of their Teacher and Student Success Act (TSSA) funds directly toward evidence-based Science of Reading practices and targeted reading interventions.

Upper-Grade State Assessments & ACT Benchmarks Signal Opportunities for Focus

While foundational literacy and numeracy showed strength, end-of-level state assessment scores for upper elementary and secondary students (grades 3–10) fell slightly short of ambitious trajectory targets:

• Language Arts (Grades 3–10): Achieved 45% proficiency against a 49% target (2030 goal: 64%).
• Mathematics (Grades 3–10): Achieved 44% proficiency against a 49% target (2030 goal: 64%).
• Science (Grades 3–10): Achieved 49% proficiency against a 51% target (2030 goal: 63%).
• College & Career Readiness (ACT Score >18): 57% of secondary students met the ACT benchmark against a 62% target (2030 goal: 74%). Year-one graduation rate (target: 85%) and readiness coursework (target: 79%) metrics remain pending final state verification.

To address academic gaps in the upper grades, Superintendent Covington highlighted district strategies focused on strengthening Tier 1 classroom instruction, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards, and providing targeted interventions to support student learning.

Priority 2: Student and Staff Safety and Wellness

Chronic Absenteeism & Behavioral Support

Recognizing that academic success depends on physical and emotional well-being, the district established rigorous attendance and climate metrics:

• Elementary Attendance: The district successfully hit its 2026 benchmark, holding chronic absenteeism (students missing 18+ days per year) to 21% (target: 11% by 2030).
• Secondary Attendance: Secondary chronic absenteeism stood at 41%, narrowly missing the 40% initial target (target: 30% by 2030).
• Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBIS): The district achieved 100% compliance, with all schools fully maintaining and implementing PBIS systems.

To address student absenteeism, the district plans to continue implementing strategies focused on improving student engagement, strengthening school connectedness, and using available data and feedback to identify and address factors that may impact student attendance. Comprehensive prevention and mental health support services remain available at MentalHealth Murray Schools (mentalhealth.murrayschools.org).

Priority 3: Operational Excellence and Fiscal Responsibility

Facilities, Audits, and Employee Retention

Superintendent Covington underscored the district's structural health, pointing to steady operational management across facilities and finance:

• Facility Safety & Compliance: Murray maintained a 100% compliance rate across all annual safety inspections and required school safety drills. A comprehensive long-term facility plan remains on track for full completion by 2030.
• Fiscal Oversight: Independent annual audits continue to yield clean, unmodified opinions with zero material weaknesses.