To Our Atchison County Communities:

Under Executive Order 26-01, on September 15, 2026, following the State Board’s framework approval, every public school district, individual building, and charter school will soon receive a single, letter-grade rating from A to F each year. As public educators, we welcome true accountability; however, we believe our community deserves a complete picture of what these grades mean – and what they leave out.

How the New Grades Work

It is important to know that this new system adds to our existing evaluations; it does not replace them. The Annual Performance Report (APR), which meets federal requirements under ESSA, and our MSIP 6 accreditation status remain fully intact. Due to the structure of how the new system, a fully accredited district could still receive a D letter grade.

The state’s rating formula relies on a points system (84 points for K-8 schools and 96 for high schools):

• A: 89% and above

• B: 76%-88%

• C: 63%-75%

• D: 50%-62%

• F: Below 50%

The calculation relies almost entirely on standardized test results – specifically MAP achievement, standardized growth measures, and a new growth-to-proficiency metric. For high schools, college and career readiness rates and four-year graduation rates are also factored in.

What a Letter Grade Misses

While test scores offer one dataset, a single letter grade leaves out vital indicators of student success and school quality:

• Missing Factors: School climate, daily attendance, continuous improvement efforts, non-tested subjects (like art, music, and career technical education), and students who successfully graduate in five to seven years are excluded from this grade, even though the state’s APR system continues to track and value them.

• Student Diversity: The letter scale does not adjust for special education programs, socioeconomic factors (free and reduced-lunch status), or English Language Learners. Because students start from different baseline points, measuring growth over time remains the true reflection of classroom progress.

• Variation Across Buildings: Elementary/middle schools and high schools are evaluated on different scales, while district grades use their own independent weighting system rather than averaging building scores. Certain small school facilities may not receive a letter grade at all.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming first release of these letter grades is only a preview based on 2024-25 data, information that is nearly two years old and excludes literacy data. School districts will have the opportunity to review these draft scores before any public release. Formal, fully integrated grade cards are not expected until September 2027.

We encourage parents and community members to look behind the letter grade. The breakdown scores actually reflect where individual schools excel in growth and also highlight exact areas targeted for continuous improvement.

Real accountability requires real support. While local schools are held to strict state benchmarks, the state currently underfunds its own education formula by more than $400 per student, offering no new resources alongside this mandate. We remain committed to delivering an excellent education for every child in our community, and we appreciate your continued partnership as we navigate these changes together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jason McDowell, Superintendent, Fairfax R-III

Rex Bollinger Ed.D., Superintendent, Rock Port R-II

Bob Heddinger, Superintendent, Tarkio R-I