Bell has received $600,000 in federal funds through the New Mexico Public Education Department in a “School Improvement Grant” over the past two years to support reduced class sizes, hire math and reading interventionists, provide special education support and extend the school year for all students.
The funding began in the summer of 2011 in an effort to build Bell Elementary into a turnaround model of school improvement.
The grant stipulated that only 50% of the staff from the previous year return. 2012’s grant was delayed, which caused a second year of 50% staff turnover.
Associate Superintendent Dana Irby said the staff turnover has hindered school improvement efforts.
IN 2012, Bell received a “D” for its school report card. In 2013, it received an “F” despite the increase in the number of students testing proficient. Officials said the state has refused to fully explain the complex grading system, but know grades are calculated using a three-year average of testing data.
Superintendent Harvielee Moore said the total impact of an educational change can take three to five years to positively impact student outcomes.
Bell Principal Frank Milo, who was transferred from Memorial in 2011 as part of the “School Improvement Grant” changes, said the funding will be missed, but that they will continue the turnaround process to improve student success.