Richland Board of Education reviews numbers from the 5-year AGR

The Richland School District is currently in Year 5 of its five-year Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). As required, the School Board was provided a mid-year update on strategy implementation, performance objectives, and student progress at last night’s (Wednesday) board meeting..

For the 2025–2026 school year, Richland Center Primary School (RCPS) and Richland Center Intermediate School (RCIS) implemented multiple AGR approved strategies: Reduced class sizes; Instructional coaching provided by licensed teachers when class sizes exceeded targets; and targeted one-to-one/small-group tutoring for students demonstrating the greatest need. Although only one strategy is required for compliance, the District continues to apply layered supports to maximize student growth.

Student progress is measured using Fall and Winter i-Ready Diagnostic Assessments in Reading and Mathematics for all students in Kindergarten (5K) through Grade 3. Winter i-Ready Diagnostic results indicate meaningful student growth across grade levels in both Reading and Mathematics. 

Based on Winter i-Ready Diagnostic results and classroom data, the District will concentrate on the priorities to accelerate student growth and further reduce achievement gaps by: Adjusting intervention groups using Winter diagnostic data; Increasing the precision of small-group instruction in Reading and Mathematics; Prioritizing students in the Approaching and Developing categories; Conducting frequent progress monitoring cycles; Fine-tuning Core instruction to support student learning; Reinforcing consistent attendance; Promoting student motivation and goal-setting; and strengthening home–school communication regarding growth.

The board did approve a net reduction of 3.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) in certified staff or leadership positions within in-building educational programs, moving to an all-day, every-day four-year-old kindergarten model, and a 1.0 FTE increase in alternative education staff starting with the 2026-27 school year.

The board also approved to lease a Turf Tank 2 robotic field painter to improve operational efficiency, reduce labor and material costs, and enhance the overall appearance of the athletic facilities. With the addition of the campus gym and Melvill Hall, the demand on groundskeeping staff has increased. In leasing the Turf Tank 2 an estimated 75% reduction in labor related to field painting, a 50% reduction in paint usage, improved allocation of staff resources, and an enhancement to the professional appearance of the athletic facilities. 

In action items, the board approved:

To approve Sysco as the USDA Food Purveyor for the 2026-27 school year as presented.

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