Moak placed on leave

The North County Parkside Elementary principal has been placed on administrative leave and a former administrator has stepped in.

Superintendent Dr. Yancy Poorman confirmed Friday that Dr. Janet Moak was placed on administrative leave from the third/fourth grade building. Moak, who is in the middle of her contract, was placed on administrative leave the week before but administrators aren’t saying why.

Poorman said actions are taken for the best interest of the students, their welfare and their academic performance.

Poorman said Retired Assistant Superintendent Mike Jarvis was contracted to help with administrative responsibilities and coordinate MAP preparation for Parkside.

“I think most  people and constituents are aware that (North County) is deep in school improvement,” Poorman said. “Currently, we are at level 4. This directive requires certain adjustments be made by the district at specific levels of performance.

“We are doing everything we can to assist and prepare our teachers for covering the material in the MAP assessment. Study Island, which identifies even specific questions of MAP testing or any areas of weakness, is now available district wide and teachers are being trained how to use it for instruction and analysis. Even some professional development activities have been focused on preparing for the delivery of the MAP test.”

He said if North County scores at certain grade levels are not improved it could lead to “further school improvement directives which can include realignment of staff, and district governance.”

“MAP/student performance is a very serious issue, but more importantly we have to do what is in the best interest of our students’ education,” he said.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.