Jackson schools hold steady on state report card

Some Jackson administrators supervise students at a ratio more than double that of the state average, recently released data shows.

Districtwide, there was one administrator per 273 students last school year, above the state average of 1:189. At Orchard Elementary, there was one administrator for 545 students; at the high school, one to 409.

"We spend what we think we can afford. That always means we're thin. I don't see that changing in the near future," said superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson. He said that administrators carry a "very heavy load" and "do the best they can to prioritize."

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the 2007-2008 state "report cards" late last week.

Reduced manpower did not seem to have a significant effect on performance. The school district held steady in nearly all categories, which include graduation rate, dropout rate and ACT scores. In all three cases, the district performed better than state averages. Leaders were proudest of a 10 percent increase in graduates attending four-year colleges. Talking to students and parents earlier about college seems to be working, Anderson said.

Per-pupil expenditures in Jackson were considerably lower than the state average, $6,779 versus $9,338, the state data shows.

"Overall I thought it looked like progress was being made. ... We are still below the state average in per-pupil cost, yet our results are good," said assistant superintendent Dr. Rita Fisher.

While school board president Terri Tomlin lauded the results, she said she would like to see the administrator-to-teacher ratio more in line with state averages. "We're always trying to work on improving those classroom numbers. ... I think the administrators and teachers do a really good job with the limits they've been given," she said.

The district hired an additional assistant principal to serve at Orchard and West Lane elementary schools this year, which should bring down the ratio on next year's report card. Average class size, often cited as a concern among parents, reached a five-year low at 20, although it is still above the state average of 18.

The state's minimum standard guideline recommends one administrator for every 300 to 500 students. The "desirable" standard is one administrator for every one to 300 students.

Report card data shows administrators have received bigger pay raises than teachers. Between 2004 and 2008, administrators' pay increased 17.7 percent, while teachers' pay increased 8.8 percent. The state averages were 12.5 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively.

"If you have a lot of retirements, which we have had on the teacher side, you're adding new people and that brings the average down," Anderson said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

388-3627

Have a comment?

Log on to semissourian.com