Monty Perfetti introduced Bill Davison and Art Lyons who presented a comprehensive report based on the observations and conclusions with respect to the Five Year Benchmarking Project for the Bethlehem Area School District seniors at both Freedom and Liberty High Schools. This report also included a "mini report" for each of the six goals specified for the high schools, as well as a technical findings document, and an addendum addressing the absences and tardiness at both high schools.

The five year trend shows an increase in the percentage of students passing all of their courses. At both high schools the percentage of students making the honor roll at least once during the school year increased dramatically. Both schools have seen the average SAT scores increase during this time period.

The report also indicated that the ethnic distribution of students at both schools has remained relatively stable over the past five years. In response to a request from Mr. Amato to show a more distinctive comparison between the stable and unstable population, a discussion followed which resulted in the conclusion that it is not specifically any one ethnic group that may influence the decline in improvement, but rather the issue of student mobility. This transient data was detailed in the technical findings document. Mr. Heske commented that he felt the removal of undisciplined students may have also influenced the data reported.

Freedom High School showed a consistent downward trend in number of days absent, while Liberty remained somewhat stable in its attendance pattern. Both high schools had fairly consistent patterns of tardiness in the first three years of the project and both have seen dramatic improvement recently. Mr. Craig suggested that the tardiness pattern may be influenced by whether a student walks to school or is bussed.

It was noted that a great deal of credit for Liberty High School’s improvement in most areas is as a result of the move to the block scheduling format. Mr. Doluisio commented that Bethlehem has become a data driven district and has made many favorable decisions because of this. He thanked everyone for their participation.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.