Question 1:
- Is the district considering postponing funds for technology?

logoWe have our computers for students on a replacement cycle. Last year was the year targeted for the elementary school students to have their computers replaced. Based on the programs the student use, we determined we could postpone that replacement for one year, maybe two. This did not eliminate the expenses, but postponed it. In the mean time, our high school computers are due to be replaced. Since this seems like a cycle that the district will struggle with over the next few years, a technology task force is meeting to consider traditional and alternate ways to supply our students with technology.

Question 2:
- Will Music and Athletics be cut again this year?

logoAll areas of the academic and co-curricular program were scaled back last year. Some of the funding for those cut backs were restored this year. However, administrators, coaches, and co-curricular advisors including music teachers must still be prudent in their use of district funds.

Question 3:
- What were the goals set by the superintendent for the teacher performance?

logoA performance incentive is part of both the teacher and administrator contracts. The incentive is awarded in whole or in part based on completion of specific goals established at the beginning of the school year. Click HERE for the Teacher, Administrator and Superintendent goals.

Question 4:
- We have heard student achievement is mediocre. How do QCSD students do on standardized tests?

logoSAT scores in QCSD are above state averages and have been rising the past three years. This past year, the average SAT score is 37 points (1009 to 1046) higher than the previous year. The ACT score is up by 2 points (21 to 23). Both are significant increases. This is the first year the PSAT was administered to QCSD 10th and 11th graders. The class of 2011 exceeds the national average on all skills in math, all but one in reading, and in writing has a few that exceed the national average with none below the national average. The class of 2012 is in line with the national average. On the state administered PSSA, all schools are well above state averages. Since the inception of No Child Left Behind (all schools with the exception of the HS special education math students this past year) have made Adequate Yearly Progress every year earning Keystone Achievement Awards. For building level student achievement information compared locally, regionally and statewide, click HERE. The College Board makes it very clear that wealth of the family is the most important indicator of student achievement. In 2009, the Hanover Research Council conducted an independent study of QCSD student achievement compared to its demographics and wealth. The results are consistent across composites, verbal, and math scores—QHS falls at or significantly above the mean PSSA score for schools of similar wealth and demographics.

Question 5:
- Does the district participate in initiatives that can be eliminated to save money?

logoEach year administrative priorities are set by the board of school directors based on the district Strategic Plan, state, and federal mandates. For the past few years, no initiatives have fallen outside of these criteria. With each budget, program areas and staffing are examined for relevancy to the strategic plan and mandates. Those that fall outside these parameters are scaled back or completely eliminated.

Question 6:
- Will there be any additional changes in the high school schedule for next year?

logoChanges in the high school schedule were implemented to maximize student-teacher contact time and to increase rigorous offerings. Both of these objectives were realized. While we might make schedule adjustments over the next few years, we do not anticipate any significant changes to next year’s schedule.