Rich 227 Board Strives to Improve Student Achievement

Amid controversy over student assessment and a demand to raise academic levels, Rich Township High School District 227 has made student acheivement a top priority. During Tuesday night’s board meeting, board members shared their plans to help students succeed.

Supt. Donna Leak has been working on the Perfect Attendance Campaign (P.A.C.). Although the district’s attendance is 90 percent, Leak said she wants it to be better. She believes that attendance and student achievement go hand in hand. Last year’s valedictorians had higher than 90 percent attendance throughout their four years, she said. Leak and her staff are working on launching a website to help promote the campaign.

Leak also reported that she had met with the student advisory council, which she called “one of the most enlightening and forward thinking groups of students.” The students on the council are looking into planning a back-to-school district parade for next August, Leak said. The council members will be working from now to December on the parade, determining whether it is feasible.The council also wants to look into how the district is represented, including by the district logo.

Leak said she recently resumed her "Coffee With the Superintendent" meeting and learned that the parents are on board with supporting what it is their students want to do. 

Board member Shelia Hester-Whorton said she was pleased to see the progress that's being made. Whorton had spoken to Leak about the campaign previously and was impressed with how it was being executed.

“I want to commend you and your staff and how you are really gearing towards a good school year for our students,” Hester-Whorton told Leak.

Board member Cheryl Coleman also will be working on an initiative to improve student achievement. She will be on the insurance and wellness committee, working on a healthcare initiative to combat obesity and high blood pressure. Coleman has a personal passion for the initiative.

“I’ve lost 25 pounds myself and my blood pressure is down and I feel great, so just think if we can get those students to feel just as good about themselves. I know their grades will improve,” Coleman said.

The district foundation hoped to raise $20,000 toward scholarships with Friday’s golf outing and gala at University Park Golf Club.