Miller Middle School's placement on the low-achieving schools list came as a shock to Principal Brad Clement last month, but he said the focus will continue to be on student learning.
"It came out of the blue," Clement said. "But our goal as always is to continue to make improvements in the program that we offer students."
Miller was listed as one of 35 low-performing schools in Iowa based on Iowa Test of Basic Skills results over the past three years.
As a result of the listing and new Race to the Top legislation, the Marshalltown Community School District must set into motion one of four intervention methods at Miller.
The four options include closing the school, making it a charter school, firing the principal and half of the staff or firing the principal and changing the curriculum. The Marshalltown School Board has to make a decision on one of the methods next month.
Superintendent Marvin Wade said the method that would have less disruption to the school would be the last option of firing the principal and changing curriculum, though it's a route he is not fond of taking.
Clement, who has been principal at Miller for 20 years, said dealing with his job in jeopardy as a result of this legislation is something that comes with the position.
"Whenever you are in a leadership capacity and you see what the alternatives are, it comes with the territory," he said.
He said he is more focused on continuing to improve student achievement than his job status and the school has started several initiatives on that front in recent years including designating extra time for students who need help.
Clement said the option of letting go of half of the staff would be devastating to the school.
"I personally think that would be something that would be hurtful to students and families because we have a quality staff," Clement said.
Some have speculated the number of English Language Learners at his school and those from low-income households may effect the test figures.
"We've got challenges, as all schools do, but we don't want to back away from that or make excuses," he said.
As far as a decision on his future, it is not set in stone or entirely out of his hands. There is hope that the state will get a waiver to allow principals in low-performing schools to keep their jobs.
Another option for Clement, 56, would be to enroll for the district's early retirement package if he thinks he may be terminated in June anyway. The deadline to enroll for early retirement is Friday.
"I have not finalized a decision," Clement said Wednesday. "I have felt blessed to be a teacher, coach and administrator of the Marshalltown Community School District for 35 years. That has not changed."
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Contact Andrew Potter at 641-753-6611 or apotter@timesrepublican.com
