Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools have received preliminary ISTEP scores. Superintendent Allen Bourff told the board the data must be adjusted, then analyzed by grade level and school building.  Assistant Superintendent Jan Combs had warned board members that a state-wide drop in scores had been expected due to the new test being introduced with a new vendor.  Combs says the early data indicates the drop in HSE student scores do not appear to be as great at the projected lower performance expected state-wide.  An ISTEP appeals process is available for students and parents.

In other news items from the November 9th HSE session…

–Consideration of a non-discrimination policy will be delayed due to a recent court ruling in Illinois.  Guidance is expected to come from federal Department of Education officials soon.  It appears the court decision is one over locker room access for a transgender student.  A news account of that case can be accessed at this link.

–Superintendent Bourff says he is on track to make a recommendation to the board in January on how much to request from taxpayers for a planned referendum in May of 2016. The listening tour of schools, parents and community groups is continuing.