Sidney schools continue to improve on state tests

The Sidney Public School District exceeded state averages last year on tests administered to students throughout Nebraska.

According to the State of the Schools Report released by the Nebraska Department of Education, 83 percent of Sidney students tested exceeded or met proficiency standards in reading, 78 percent in mathematics, 85 percent in science and 80 percent in writing.

In addition to scoring above statewide averages, more Sidney students scored as meeting or exceeding proficiency in reading, science and writing than the previous year.

Sidney School District Superintendent Jay Ehler presented the findings to school board members on Monday.

“I just wanted you to see that we have had some growth in most areas over the last five years,” he said. “Of course it fluctuates a little, but we have had a slight, steady growth. Everyone of these is above the state average.”

The superintendent noted the scores are for the entire district, not specific grades.

Board member Steve Mattoon said the results are impressive and teachers should be commended for their work.

Also at the meeting:

• Julie Peetz, from Rauner & Associates, presented the district’s 2014-15 audit report.

The report has been submitted to the NDE, she said, and there were no budget violations.

The district has a nearly three-month cash supply on hand, which is what is recommended, Peetz noted.

She did recommend the board vote to designate all district funds as “major funds.” The change would make future budget reports easier to compare year-to-year, she explained, as all funds would appear on one sheet. Later in the meeting, the board unanimously approved making the change.

• In a report to the board, Ehler said the district would be holding a Veterans Day celebration in conjunction with Sidney Regional Medical Center on Wednesday. Veterans from Sidney have been invited to attend and the event will begin at 2:10 p.m. at the middle school and last about an hour. The middle and high school choirs will join to perform two songs, he said.

• Board members recognized numerous students for recent achievements, including the four high school students – Abbie Fraas, Jonathon Stokes, Jolene Oliverius and Logan Ulhir – who were selected to all-state choir. Megan Neal was also recognized for being named a recipient of the Believers and Achievers Award. Ehler said it’s a statewide award and not easy to get.

October student of the month award winners included: Jonathan Spacek, 7th grade; Mattie Johnson, 8th grade; Abbilea Hudspeth, 9th grade; Alfredo Balandran Jr., 10th grade; Reilly Svoboda, 11th grade; and Danelle Christensen, 12th grade.

• The next Sidney Public School District board of education meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, at the district’s administration building.