District administrators presented the annual achievement report and an attendance update at the November Watertown School Board meeting, saying several district measures outperformed the state and that targeted grant funding will support additional attendance work.

Mr. Barrios, presenting the achievement report, said districtwide proficiency was 57% in English language arts compared with the state average of 52%; math proficiency was 48% (state 44%); science proficiency was 47% for tested grades. He also said on‑time graduation for the most recent cohort was 93% compared with the statewide rate of 86%. "So as a district, we're at 57% in ELA... 93 of our students this last year graduated on time," Barrios said.

Barrios reviewed measures of progress, college- and career-readiness and noted how state assessment changes (including ACCUPLACER and an anticipated capstone experience) may affect future reporting. He urged board members to consult the Department of Education website for detailed report cards and building-level data.

In the attendance update, Barrios said the district has been operating a chronic absenteeism grant for about two years and recently received a supplemental attendance grant that will allow hiring an additional family support specialist to work directly with families and improve consistent attendance; the grant is time-limited and the positions are expected to end with the grant period. The board later approved authority to hire three positions, including the family support specialist, by voice vote.

The board discussed MAP testing and how parent-teacher conferences included MAP results; district staff said a follow-up MAP update will be provided after winter testing in January.

Next steps: administrators will return with MAP results after winter testing and proceed with hiring under the approved authority for grant-funded positions.