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At the Linden Board of Education meeting on March 25, the board received reports from the principals of each school on school related activities.

Linden Elementary School Assistant Principal Richard Bryant spoke first and shared what has been happening at the elementary school. Bryant said that the second and third grade students completed their state assessments. Students that needed to be tested were present, and the school received great participation from parents. Bryant said he is hoping to see the same enthusiasm in April when 4th and 5th graders take their state assessments.

Linden High School Principal Marcus West reported that LHS students have also been taking assessments, and that the seniors testing scores have given the staff “a lot of hope.” He said that scores for the ACT WorkKeys increased, and the school has been on a high about the results.

“We’re going to celebrate those kids for doing so well,” said West.

West said that recent activities at the high school have played a part in the positive increase in testing scores. Clubs like Beta Club, a Women’s Day program, sports, and class field trips have helped boost morale with students. West said the events helped with assessments because school events made students want to be at school.

When students return from spring break, West said they have lots of work to do before the end of the school year. Testing for sophomores and juniors will be on April 19.

“I’m very happy with the way things have been going lately. Even though we’ve been understaffed, we’re still seeing test scores increase. That’s what I’m proudest about,” said West.

George. P. Austin Middle School Principal Walter Hampton said that GPA students have taken their nine weeks exams and have done well. He said they use the exam results as benchmarks to make sure that students are learning and grasping concepts of what is being taught during that period.

Hampton said that Tuskegee University called GPA and asked if the middle school and high school students who were involved in an outdoor project would come to tour the campus. The university wants to meet the students involved face-to-face. Hampton said they are in the process of planning that field trip.

Hampton said he has completed his walk-throughs of the school, and he reported that he saw some things he liked and some things he didn’t like. He has addressed those issues.

ACAP testing will begin at the middle school on April 19-21, and will finish on April 26-27 with make-up exams.

During the regular meeting, Superintendent Dr. Timothy Thurman reported that the roofing projects at the cafeteria and GPA and the library have been completed. Thurman said he is pleased with the work and how quickly the construction was completed.

Action Items

• Approved the financial statements for February 2022, and all bank statements have been reconciled
• Approved the Linden City Schools calendar for the 2022-2023 school year
• Accepted the resignation letter of Ms. Kadijah Brownridge as 6th grade and 8th grade ELA teacher at GPA