Above: The West Elementary Choir sings Christmas songs at the Batesville School Board Meeting.
Article and images by Emily Wang, White River Now
Batesville School Board honors excellence, tackles statewide education challenges
The Batesville School District Board convened Monday night to address academic progress and recognize outstanding individuals.
Academic Progress
During a curriculum report from West Elementary, Sonya Gaither said, “We have a ton of kids below grade level.”
Noting that eight teachers are currently working with the children who need intervention between 2:05 and 2:50 p.m. to try to bring them up to the proper level, Gaither said these “are strictly small groups for those kids who need extra.”
The children who scored above their level are also receiving additional input.
While over half of third-grade students needed a math intervention plan in September, there has been a positive decline to now only 29 students needing intervention in math.
“We are seeing tremendous results with that. We are very proud of those results,” said Gaither.
Discussions took place regarding the accuracy of the literacy scoring test-taking procedure. This process requires students to read aloud into a Chromebook, which is used to evaluate their speech accuracy and speed. However, there have been issues with the technology that interprets and scores these responses. A complaint sheet addressing the same problem is currently circulating in several school districts.
With some children reportedly unable to identify upper- and lowercase letters by grade level, the main emphasis is on improving the students’ literacy scores.
To save instructional time, a decision was made to test only on Fridays after discussing the amount of time it had taken away from learning in the classroom.
Batesville Superintendent Ken James acknowledged statewide struggles with oral reading fluency.
“We are really taking a deep dive to get them where they need to be,” he said. “Bottom line: everybody is working very hard. I think you will see the results of that moving forward.”
Operational Updates
The board approved all motions for 2025 Board of Education organizational positions and approved the purchase of 44 desktop computers for Batesville Junior High using Title I funds to replace outdated units.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations David Campbell shared the need to repair the roof at the Batesville High School, with a cost estimate of $14,000, to address potential leaks in a roof above technology areas. Campbell also shared receiving a grant for $53,880 for fencing projects across district campuses.
The Eagle Mountain Primary School fire cleanup was discussed, with repairs set to begin over Thanksgiving break, and an anticipated completion by Christmas.
Recognition and West Elementary Choir Student Performance
Third-grade teacher Teresa Yates was named the recipient of this month’s Citizen’s Bank ‘Above and Beyond’ award, which recognizes educators who go beyond job duties with compassion and dedication.
Ashely Engles, Citizen’s Bank’s community engagement officer, praised Yates as a teacher who “teaches with heart and gives 100%.” Engles noted that Yates’ peers said she “has a heart for every child that passes through her room.”
During a special presentation, Batesville High School senior and cross-country runner Kaylee Montgomery (above, holding plaque) was praised for her extraordinary sportsmanship. In her final high school race, Montgomery helped a fallen competitor cross the finish line, sacrificing her personal record.
Betty Beasley was recognized for completing the requirements to become a certified child nutrition manager. Superintendent Ken James commended her dedication, noting her certification is valid through 2030.
Also at the meeting, the West Elementary Choir, led by Anna Shelton, debuted its holiday lineup, singing three songs for those in attendance.
The next board meeting will be held in December.
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