With student achievement tests falling short of some goals set by the state, two key administrators at the New Bloomfield R-3 School District have submitted written resignations to the board. They did not attend this week's board meeting and did not cite reasons for the resignations.
The resignations come at a time when the New Bloomfield Board of Education is in the middle of seeking a replacement for its former superintendent who was placed on administrative leave last year and resigned this year. A school board election is scheduled on April 5.
The New Bloomfield School District has not met state annual proficiency test target scores for the last two years for both communications arts and mathematics.
In 2010 the state set an annual proficiency target score for all state schools of 67.4 for communications arts and the New Bloomfield School District scored an average of 43.1.
The same year the state set an annual proficiency target score for all state schools of 63.6 for mathematics and the New Bloomfield School District scored an average of 40.2.
Sara Lane, director of special services at the New Bloomfield School District, is one of two administrators who resigned this week. The other was High School Principal Suzanne Lackman.
Lane said her resignation at the end of this school year in June was a personal decision. This year marks her ninth year of employment in the district. She said the fact that the district is required by the state to place extra emphasis on improving student achievement was not a problem with her. "There now is a lot more accountability and monitoring of programs, making sure that we are doing everything that we should be doing, and also doing what is best for students. It puts more stress on everyone. But I didn't mind that," Lane said.
As director of special services, Lane supervises special education, the gifted program, Title 1 funding for low income students, and the at-risk program. "I am in charge of any student who is struggling or has issues going on. Any student with these problems would involve me. Our special education program is doing well at New Bloomfield Schools. I'm sad to be leaving. I really believe this district is going in a good direction. There's a lot of good things going on here. But there is a lot of work that needs to be done at the same time," Lane said.
"I have truly enjoyed my time here. But this district has been under stress recently and I think it is time for me to move on. I have been very appreciative from the support I have received from the staff and parents in the district. I appreciate that. Lots of people in the community have talked with me and I also appreciate that," Lane said.
Lane later issued this on-line comment on the Fulton Sun website:
"I just want to say that I will truly miss the staff, students and parents of New Bloomfield. I have worked hard the last nine years to help make this district a better place for students to learn and grow. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made so far and hope that the progress can continue in years to come. I have been proud to work with such a dedicated staff that always keeps what's best for students in the forefront. Thank you to everyone that has called, emailed and dropped by the last week to show their support. You have been such an inspiration to me."
Lackman was unavailable for comment on her decision to resign.