by John Beagle

School Board President John Venturalla, delivered his first ever State of the School Address. He said  the board was responsible for educating the children and accountable to its residents. The board will make no excuses for low student performance.

Despite the increased student needs as evidenced by the 74% rise in free lunches, the Middletown administrative staff does not let these barriors become excuses.

All students can achieve at high levels.

Other issues mentioned in the speech:
 
Enrollment Decline
Enrollment, has declined by 12% and caused as shift in demographics regarding proficiencies. Middletown is experiencing a negative shift toward lower proficiencies.

State School Upgrade to Continuous Improvement
The school district has improved from State Education Academic Watch to Continuous Improvement.

Partnerships with MUM were created.

"Reading first" grant has help sustain and improve staff.

To show a sense of urgency to show greater improvement there will be four (4) Community Forums each Thursday 7:30 - 8:30 .The forums will  include finance committee members and members of the community. Topics include:
1.  State funding for schools and the Governors Budget
2.  Schools and local property taxes
3.  School district spending

Frozen Administrative Salaries
All Middletown City School District administrative salaries will be frozen including the superintendent and the treasurer.

Read entire Text from State of the School Speech