MCSD News
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August - 2023
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3
Office of Communications
Parents, please be reminded of the New School Start Times for School Year 2023-2024
All Elementary Schools
Doors Open: 7:00 am
School Day Starts: 7:45 am
School Day Ends: 2:15 pm
All Middle Schools
Doors Open: 7:40 am
School Day Starts: 8:10 am
School Day Ends: 3:10 pm
All High Schools
Doors Open: 8:15 am
School Day Starts: 8:45 am
School Day Ends: 4:00 pm
Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts will follow the High School Schedule.
Marshall Success Center
Doors Open: 7:45 am
School Day Starts: 8:00 am
Elementary School Day Ends: 2:30 pm
Middle School Day Ends: 3:00 pm
High School Day Ends: 3:30 pm
The new schedule starts with the 2023 – 2024 School Year.
NOTE: If you registered for School Bus Transportation for 2023-2024 before July 15, 2023, your bus passes are available at the school and available to pick up during your Schools Verification Days. Please check your bus passes when you receive them to know what time your student’s bus will arrive, as the bus times will be different than in previous years due to the new school start times -
July - 2023
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28
Office of Communications
Friday, July 28 – Georgia Milestones test scores were released today for the Muscogee County School District and the state. The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is designed to provide information about how well students are mastering the state-adopted content standards in the core content areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EoG) and End of Course (EoC) tests report student learning with four levels of performance. The designations aim to shift the focus away from test scores and aim to capture the progression of a student’s learning.
Beginning Learners require significant support from home and school to succeed in the next grade level.
Developing Learners have shown partially mastered their grade level standards but need additional home and school support to succeed in the next grade level.
Proficient Learners have shown mastery of the grade level standards and are ready to move up to the next grade level.
Distinguished Learners have shown mastery beyond the grade level, which indicates their readiness for advanced coursework.
“The results released today are mixed across the spectrum and reflect the lingering impact of unfinished learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As expected, students and schools who experienced comparatively minor disruption performed better than those with higher absences and/or staff shortages during and since the pandemic. However, we are encouraged by the response to our comprehensive P3-2025 plan developed and implemented this past year that yielded promising results in our primary grades, with the third grade exceeding anticipated benchmark targets”, said Superintendent Dr. David Lewis.
Dr. David Lewis continued, “An integral part of the Plan included training 600 of our district’s educators in the research-based Science of Reading training provided by the Georgia Department of Education and the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy this summer. As a result of our district’s previously demonstrated commitment to literacy, it has been selected to continue this multi-year work with the Rollins Center. Coupled with our district’s personalized learning initiative that, as the name implies, assesses and strategically charts a personalized learning path for students, we are aggressively addressing these concerning gaps.”
Grade 3
Reading Status
Number Tested
Percent Below Grade Level (Lexile < 520L)
Percent Grade Level or Above (Lexile ≥ 520L)
2,190
42.6
57.4
English Language Arts
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,190
44.5
28.9
19.0
7.5
55.5
26.6
Mathematics
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,189
33.3
37.9
22.9
5.8
66.7
28.7
Grade 4
Reading Status
Number Tested
Percent Below Grade Level (Lexile < 740L)
Percent Grade Level or Above (Lexile ≥ 740L)
2,174
51.3
48.7
English Language Arts
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,174
39.8
32.9
20.1
7.3
60.2
27.3
Mathematics
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,175
35.8
34.7
22.6
6.9
64.2
29.5
Grade 5
Reading Status
Number Tested
Percent Below Grade Level (Lexile < 830L)
Percent Grade Level or Above (Lexile ≥ 830L)
2,217
39.0
61.0
English Language Arts
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,217
34.9
33.7
26.3
5.1
65.1
31.4
Mathematics
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,217
48.5
30.3
15.2
6.0
51.5
21.2
Science
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,211
46.5
24.3
22.0
7.2
53.5
29.2
Grade 6
Reading Status
Number Tested
Percent Below Grade Level (Lexile < 925L)
Percent Grade Level or Above (Lexile ≥ 925L)
2,161
54.3
45.7
English Language Arts
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,161
44.1
28.7
23.7
3.6
55.9
27.3
Mathematics
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,157
49.9
35.2
11.6
3.3
50.1
14.9
Grade 7
Reading Status
Number Tested
Percent Below Grade Level (Lexile < 970L)
Percent Grade Level or Above (Lexile ≥ 970L)
2,135
40.3
59.7
English Language Arts
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,135
40.3
32.7
22.5
4.5
59.7
27.0
Mathematics
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,131
40.5
39.1
14.1
6.2
59.4
20.4
Grade 8
Reading Status
Number Tested
Percent Below Grade Level (Lexile < 1010L)
Percent Grade Level or Above (Lexile ≥ 1010L)
2,228
39.5
60.5
English Language Arts
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,228
36.5
32.5
24.5
6.6
63.5
31.0
Mathematics
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,227
47.2
30.4
15.2
7.3
52.8
22.5
Science Grade 8
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
1,906
63.4
19.2
13.7
3.7
36.6
17.4
High School Physical Science Grade 8
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
318
17.3
23.0
41.5
18.2
82.7
59.7
Social Studies
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,221
43.7
31.5
19.8
5.0
56.3
24.8
American Literature
Reading Status
Number Tested
Percent Below Grade Level (Lexile < 1185L)
Percent Grade Level or Above (Lexile ≥ 1185L)
2,010
34.1
65.9
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,010
29.9
35.9
29.9
4.3
70.1
34.2
Algebra I
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,360
48.0
30.7
16.7
4.7
52.0
21.4
Biology
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
2,249
37.4
24.4
28.0
10.2
62.6
38.2
U.S History
Number Tested
Percent Beginning Learner
Percent Developing Learner
Percent Proficient Learner
Percent Distinguished Learner
Percent Developing Learner & Above
Percent Proficient Learner & Above
1,379
36.8
40.7
20.2
2.3
63.2
22.5
“As we review the results of the Georgia Milestones assessment scores, there is no doubt the pandemic and its impact continue to be felt here and across the state. When we analyze the performance data and look at how the same group of students performed last year compared to this year, we see our district trends parallel with the state. There are clearly learning gaps and struggles that are unique to each of these student groups, which we will continue working to correct,” said Keith Seifert, Chief Academic Officer.#####
The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.
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17
Office of Communications
July 17. 2023 - 5:00 pm - Tonight's Board Work Session/Board Meeting Streamed Live. Click here: https://bit.ly/33GErzo
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June - 2023
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26
Office of Communications
June 26, 2023 - Tonight's Board Meeting Streamed Live. Click here to view: https://bit.ly/33GErzo
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23
Office of Communications
Georgia allows school districts to submit waiver requests under the ED-Flex Program. Through ED-Flex, The U.S. Department of Education delegates to eligible State Education Agencies (SEAs) the authority to waive specific statutory or regulatory education requirements that may hinder local efforts to reform and improve education. ED-Flex is designed to help school districts carry out educational reforms and raise the achievement of all students.
ED-Flex is authorized under the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 and was reauthorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is offering its school districts the opportunity to apply for waivers over a five-year period. School districts must apply to GaDOE annually for the desired waivers.
For the 2023-2024 school year, we are pursuing the below waivers from the GaDOE.
- Waiver of Title I, Part A Limitation on Carryover – ESSA Section 1127(a)
- If approved, this waiver would allow all unspent Title I, Part A funds from school year 2022-2023 to return to the school district during the 2023-2024 school year. In the past, the amount returned could not exceed 15% of the previous year’s allocation.
- Waiver of the Title IV, Part A Content Area Minimum Percentage Spending Requirements – ESSA Section 4106(e)(2)(C), (D) and (E) under sections 4107, 4108, 4109
- If approved, this waiver lifts the minimum spending percentage threshold under the law, which increases spending flexibility to meet the needs of students better.
Questions can be submitted to federalprograms@muscogee.k12.ga.us.
- Waiver of Title I, Part A Limitation on Carryover – ESSA Section 1127(a)
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12
Office of Communications
June 12, 2023 - Tonight's Board Work Session Streamed Live. Click here: https://bit.ly/33GErzo
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7
Office of Communications
After completing extensive research on the circadian rhythm of adolescents and reviewing the recommendations from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the administration proposed a revised school schedule to the Board of Education. On May 15, 2023, the Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s proposed schedule.To better align with guidelines from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Muscogee County School District will implement a new school schedule starting Fall 2023.All Elementary Schools
Doors Open: 7:00 amSchool Day Starts: 7:45 amSchool Day Ends: 2:15 pmAll Middle Schools
Doors Open: 7:40 amSchool Day Starts: 8:10 amSchool Day Ends: 3:10 pmAll High Schools
Doors Open: 8:15 amSchool Day Starts: 8:45 amSchool Day Ends: 4:00 pmRainey-McCullers School of the Arts will follow the high school schedule.Marshall Success CenterDoors Open: 7:45 amSchool Day Starts: 8:00 amElementary School Day Ends: 2:30 pmMiddle School Day Ends: 3:00 pmHigh School Day Ends: 3:30 pmThis new schedule will start with the 2023 – 2024 School Year. -
5
Office of Communications
FY 2024 Tentative General Fund Budget and Projected Budgets-All Funds Public Hearings
Columbus, GA The Muscogee County Board of Education, on June 12, 2023, will hold its first public hearing on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 General Fund Budget at 5:00 p.m. The Muscogee County Board of Education will vote on the tentative adoption of the FY 2024 General Fund Budget on June 12, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
The Muscogee County Board of Education, on June 26, 2023, will hold its second public hearing on the FY 2024 General Fund Budget at 6:00 p.m. The Muscogee County Board of Education will vote on the final adoption of the FY 2024 General Fund Budget on June 26, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
All meetings will be held at the Muscogee County Public Education Center, 2960 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia.
The FY 2024 General Fund Budget is accessible on the District’s website: https://www.muscogee.k12.ga.us/c/Divisions/FinancialServices/Budgeting -
5
Office of Communications
Columbus, GA The Muscogee County Board of Education does hereby announce that the M&O millage rate for fiscal year 2024 will be established at a meeting in the Board Room on the 1st floor of the Board of Education at 2960 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years
The FY 2024 Five Year Tax Digest is accessible on the District’s website: http://www.muscogee.k12.ga.us/CMS/File/761ee7a1-fbcc-4316-9256-9d167203140d
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5
Office of Communications
Pursuant to the requirements of Georgia law, the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) will hold three public hearings as part of its process for setting the millage rate.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on the setting of the millage rate to be to be held in the Board Room on the 1st floor of the Board of Education at 2960 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, at the dates and times indicated.
Monday, June 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
- Monday, June 12, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
- Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
By state law, local taxing authorities, such as MCSD, must either keep their tax collections revenue-neutral (by decreasing the millage rate to offset the gained taxes from the property value updates) or announce a tax increase (even though the actual millage rate is not increasing). The Board is considering adopting a millage rate of 23.321, a rate unchanged from FY 2023 but 2.224 mills higher than the rollback rate of 21.097 mills. At the tentative rate, 10.54% more revenue will be generated for FY 2024, requiring the announcement of a proposed property tax increase. However, taxpayers whose property values have not increased will see no increase in their school tax bill.
The Board has determined that this proposed mill levy is necessary to provide the resources needed for all students to achieve as we continue in our efforts to be a premier school district.
A copy of the budget and the 5-Year Tax Digest and M&O Levy History are available for public review on the District’s website at www.muscogee.k12.ga.us or through the MSCD Division of Financial Services.
The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.
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