By Michael Butler

The Alabama Department of Education has put out its annual report card scores. Tallassee received an 84 overall, unchanged from the previous year. Tallassee Elementary School got the system’s first-ever A with a state score of 90.

“System-wide, we’re a solid B which we’ve been for a couple of years,” TCS superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin stated. “I’m really excited we have our first A school. I cannot say enough about the teachers and the staff.”

Shanikka Beacher is in her ninth year as TES principal.

“Every student matters, and every moment counts,” Beacher said. “Together, we’re forging something truly special.”

Southside Middle School scored an 84 overall, down slightly from an 85 the previous year. Tallassee High School had a 77, its third straight year with an improved score.

Nolin spoke about the marked improvement over the years at TES. Last year’s number was an 88. It was an 81 the preceding year.

“They’ve steadily increased that score incrementally. These scores are a year in the rear, so basically the scores were tests taken in the spring. I wish it were more timely, then we could tweak our instruction.

“We’re excited but have some work to do. We’re not saying B is where we want to be. We want to be an A school across the board.”

Tallassee showed an academic growth rate of 94.99 percent and graduation rate of 87.7 percent. Chronic absenteeism was 8.57 percent. College and career readiness was 71.31 percent.

Demographics for the system were 65.72 percent white and 26.81 black or African American. The 12th grade class had the highest percentage of students at 9.53 percent compared to the second grade with the lowest of 6.97 percent.

Nolin added that the school system has received full accreditation status for another five years as well.

“I want to congratulate all of our staff and students. Beth Haynes led that charge. It takes a couple of years to get prepared for that process.”