Development News for Raymore, Missouri

District Approves 2026-2027 Professional Development Plan with Focus on Real-World Learning and Teacher Support

The 2026-2027 annual professional learning plan was presented for approval. Key goals include ensuring 100% of certified staff participate in learning sessions on real-world, competency-based, or project-based learning, and increasing sustained support for new teachers to 90%. The plan outlines a professional learning calendar with pre-service days, early release days, full professional learning days, and the Innovation Summit. The budget for professional learning is estimated at $281,892.10, with allocations for literacy, artificial intelligence, project-based learning, instructional practices, and co-teaching. The mentoring program was also evaluated and will undergo adjustments for the next year.

District Approves Contracts for Pavement and Concrete Repairs Valued at Over $249,000

The board considered bids for asphalt and concrete repair and replacement across the district. The proposed work includes concrete replacement, sidewalk and curb repairs, pavement patching, crack sealing, and seal coating to extend the life of parking lots. Two contractors are recommended: Barley Asphalt for pavement repairs, crack sealing, and seal coat ($164,687.50), and Tac Tino Construction (Tanak Construction) for concrete replacement and sidewalk/curb repairs ($84,423.70). These repairs are necessary for safe pedestrian and vehicle access and are a consistent annual expense, with this summer's work being funded by the FY27 budget.

Superintendent Reports Strong Community Confidence and Positive District Direction

The superintendent provided an update on the district's direction, highlighting strong community confidence and a continued upward trend in overall education quality, as indicated by a recent community survey. Summer school will begin on June 1st, serving approximately 2,500 to 2,800 students. The superintendent emphasized that while constructive feedback ('noise') is valuable for improvement, the 'dominant reality' is that the district is moving in a positive direction with increased opportunities for students. The board advance meeting on June 11th will further discuss survey results.

District Exceeds National Averages in Math and ELA, Focuses on Middle School Growth

Craig Derking presented an update on NWA (Northwest Evaluation Association) results for the spring assessment, including overall trends in math and ELA. In math, there was an 11% reduction in low-performing students, and high-achieving students are growing faster than the national average. All grade levels (K-12) are above the national average in math. The focus for growth will be on the middle school math program. In ELA, early literacy (K-2) showed exceptional growth, and five out of six elementary grade levels met or exceeded growth proficiencies. Overall, all grade levels in ELA are above the national average, with the average Ray student at the 58th percentile. A key area for ELA growth is identified as third grade, which did not meet projected growth, and middle school ELA performance.