Test scores up, taxes down in Holley

Test scores up, taxes down in Holley

A report on June Regents exam results and increased state aid spell good news for Holley students and district residents, according to district representatives. Last year, the Holley Central School District took an aggressive approach to student achievement by implementing a strategic action plan. June Regents exam results indicate the plan is working - Holley students surpassed last year's percentage passing in seven out of 10 tested areas.

Significant gains in student achievement were made in both U.S. history and government, and math A. Students continue to do well in the areas of science and foreign language - 98 percent passed in Spanish, and 91 percent passed in both earth science and living environment. The district has worked to increase the number of students passing at the "mastery level," which is 85 percent and above. This number increased in five tested areas: Spanish, U.S. History, Math A, Math B and Comprehensive English. "I am pleased with this year's Regents exam results," said Superintendent Robert D'Angelo. "The district, over the past few years, has made significant gains in student achievement scores by an emphasis on instruction and high expectations for all."

During the 2006-2007 school year, Holley appointed an attendance clerk, which resulted in increased student attendance at the middle school/high school. The district began requiring all incoming ninth grade students to pass all five required Regents exams with a 65 percent or better, rather than the state mandated 55 percent. A New York State Learning Technology Grant awarded to the district allowed it to purchase laptop computers and software to enhance ELA instruction across the Middle School curriculum. At the primary grades, more K through 2 students are reading and at higher levels as the result of using the Waterford Early Learning Program, educational software that assists students in learning to read and write one step at a time.

Holley will introduce "Twilight School" during which seventh through 12 grade students can stay at school for remedial and enrichment activities and still get a bus home at 5 p.m. This late bus run will also be available to kindergarten through sixth grade students. At the middle school, students in need will receive a double period of English Language Arts (ELA) instruction every other day.

Not only is student achievement going up, but taxes will be going down, district officials report. Voters approved a $.32 per $1,000 increase during the May budget vote. Now, because the district is receiving a greater amount of state aid than expected, that number will be reduced by 3.12 percent to $26.30 per $1,000 assessed valuation.