At today’s regular meeting, the FMS Board of Education approved five new policies. The Board had first reviewed these policies at its July 8 meeting.
Here’s a quick look:
Policy E-0550 on Emergency Preparedness: Creating a clear and tactical emergency response plan for all schools. You can read the policy here.
Policy I-0050 on Instructional Goals: Ensuring students build strong communication skills as part of their learning. You can read the policy here.
Policy I-6800 on Progress Reports: Keeping families regularly updated every three weeks and at least four times a year, on how their students are doing with key academic concepts and work habits. You can read the policy here.
Policy J-5440 on Cardiac Emergency Response: Every school will have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. You can read the policy here.
Policy J-6700 on Parental Guidance for Water Safety: Promoting safe practices around water to keep students safe in and around pools, rivers, and other water environments. This policy has been added to the FMS Parent-Student Handbook. You can read the policy here.
Rocinante High School: Progress and Improvement Plan
At today’s meeting, Rocinante Principal John Sandoval shared updates on the work happening at the alternative high school and the school’s Improvement Plan, which will be submitted to the state. This plan is required for schools identified for More Rigorous Interventions (MRI) after three years in Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) status. Rocinante received this designation in 2023 due to a graduation rate under 67% and an enrollment of fewer than 200 students.
The state requires schools in this category to show clear, sustained improvement. The Improvement Plan focuses on:
Raising rigor, student engagement, and a sense of belonging
Providing professional development in rigorous instruction, TESOL, and culturally responsive teaching
Offering short-term tutoring and flexible supports to help students catch up
Weekly instructional coaching and feedback for educators
Investing in social-emotional learning (SEL) and stronger family-school partnerships
The goal is to reach a 77% graduation rate by 2025-26 and improve student achievement in math, reading, and English learner proficiency.
Positive changes are already happening:
Weekly teacher meetings to review student progress and intervene early
New software to improve reading and math skills, SAT prep, and credit recovery
PBIS rewards program to encourage positive behavior
Strengthened family engagement with regular updates, check-ins, and surveys
These efforts are making a difference. In 2023-24, Rocinante’s graduation rate climbed to 62%, up from 41% in 2021-22. Pass rates in all subjects are now over 90%, and daily attendance averages 91%. However, challenges remain: many students still start high school behind on credits, and 70% report mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
Mr. Sandoval emphasized that the school is committed to providing the support students need to succeed while working toward its long-term goals. Mr. Sandoval also mentioned during the presentation that the new cell phone-free campus policy, with students and some staff putting devices away during class, is already showing signs of improvement.
The next Regular Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025.