Current Status
The district is showing significant academic improvement, with recent data indicating decreased chronic absenteeism, a dramatic reduction in suspensions, and SAT scores that now exceed the national average. Elementary schools are also demonstrating strong academic growth, particularly in math.
Overview
- On June 9, 2025, the Superintendent reported district-wide improvements, including lower absenteeism, a sharp drop in high school suspensions, and SAT scores now exceeding the national average.
- SPHS Principal Sarah Glenn presented an update on May 27, 2025, showing positive trends in student attendance, a significant decrease in suspensions, and academic growth in SAT scores.
- In January 2025, the district noted a dramatic reduction in suspensions since 2022 and mixed results on NWEA assessments, alongside an increase in graduates attending two-year colleges.
- End-of-year data from July 8, 2024, showed SPHS had reduced chronic absenteeism, out-of-school suspensions, and course failure rates.
- An analysis on January 22, 2024, revealed that SPHS average SAT scores were lagging behind state and national averages, prompting discussions on improvement strategies.
Perspectives
Administration
- Superintendent Matheney highlighted district-wide improvements in absenteeism, suspensions, SAT scores, and elementary math growth.
- SPHS Principal Sarah Glenn presented positive school-level data on attendance, suspensions, and SATs, detailing new initiatives like PBIS and targeted assessments.
- The administration attributed a dramatic reduction in suspensions to the implementation of restorative practices and improved school climate.
Citizens
- Commenters requested more disaggregated data on student performance by race and socioeconomic status.
- The public asked for a greater focus on increasing staff diversity.
Meeting History
June 9, 2025
June 9, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
District Progress Report
Superintendent Matheney highlighted significant district improvements, including decreased chronic absenteeism, a dramatic reduction in high school suspensions from 150 to 36 in one year, and improved SAT scores that now exceed the national average. He also noted strong academic growth in elementary schools, with three-quarters of Kaler students meeting or exceeding growth goals in math.
May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
High School Progress Report
SPHS Principal Sarah Glenn presented an update on school progress, showing positive trends in student attendance, a significant decrease in out-of-school suspensions, and academic growth in SAT scores. She also shared student testimonials and detailed new initiatives like PBIS implementation and targeted pre/post assessments in math.
January 27, 2025
January 27, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
STATE OF THE SCHOOLS: Behavior and Academics
The district has seen a dramatic reduction in both in-school and out-of-school suspensions since 2022, attributed to restorative practices and improved school climate. Academic data from NWEA assessments showed mixed results in reading and math, while post-secondary data indicated a significant increase in graduates attending two-year colleges, coinciding with the state's free community college initiative.
July 8, 2024
July 8, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
South Portland High School Data Review
Principal SarahGlenn presented end-of-year data for SPHS, showing significant improvements. Chronic absenteeism dropped from 42.3% to 35.5%, out-of-school suspensions were reduced by 66%, and the course failure rate decreased from 6.7% to 4.4%, with a focus on restorative practices and student engagement contributing to the positive trends.
January 22, 2024
January 22, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Student Achievement and Growth
An analysis of NWEA MAP data revealed that about half of students are meeting grade-level benchmarks, and roughly 40% are meeting projected growth targets. SOUTHPORTLANDHIGHSCHOOL's average SAT scores continue to lag behind state and national averages, prompting discussion on improvement strategies like enhanced data tools and instructional focus.
Public Comment
Citizens praised the "You Belong Here" video and the district's diversity, expressing sadness over Mohammad Albehadli's departure. Commenters also requested more disaggregated data on student performance by race and socioeconomic status, and a greater focus on increasing staff diversity.