Lonnie Burgett
The poverty level tops 74 percent, more than 80 percent of students fall into a gap category, and 15 percent are English Language Learners. But Mayfield Independent Superintendent Lonnie Burgett sees such statistics as challenges that his district has met and overcome.
In the latest accountability report, the district and all three of its schools met their goals, with the district rated as Proficient.
Mayfield High School was rated as a Proficient/High Progress school due in part to a 94 percent graduation rate and a 23-point jump in its college-readiness score. Academic successes at Mayfield High have led to scholarship dollars for its graduates averaging more than $25,000 per student.
The district emphasizes that all decisions and actions are made toward one objective: increasing student achievement. It’s a coordinated effort at the school and district level, to gather input from all the stakeholders in order to guide the district in the right direction for the welfare of its students.
Technology also is a priority. Each classroom is equipped with SMART boards, all teachers are given iPads, students have access to mobile iPad and laptop carts and Wi-Fi is available on all campuses.
Several districtwide programs focus on increasing academic achievement. For example, a leadership team is working to implement new science standards across the district. The team consists of four central office administrators, all principals, assistant principals and two teachers from each school representing the two disciplines.
Students targeted under the Gifted and Talented program also are a focus of the district, with a certified employee designated full-time to the program to help those students excel.
Mayfield Middle School was one of six Kentucky middle schools selected to be involved in the middle grades leadership development grant and one of 25 Investing in Innovation (i3) grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal is to improve student achievement and achieve Schools to Watch national recognition.
The district credits the boundless dedication of very capable personnel for continuing the pride, tradition and excellence of Mayfield Independent.
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