The Wright City R-II School Board received its annual report from high school principal Dr. Jason Theodorakos on the state of the district’s A+ program and its preparations, which are already underway, for the 2026 End of Course exams.

Theodorakos lauded the counseling department and, specifically, counselor Michelle Payton, for her work with the A+ program at the Sept. 16 meeting.

“We’re doing really well,” Theodorakos said. “Michelle does a great job.”

Theodorakos said that, during the 2024-25 school year, the graduating Cass of 2025 began their school year with 56 students participating in the A+ program. Through education and recruitment efforts, 19 additional seniors signed the A+ agreement to commit to meeting these standards.

The high school was able to distinguish 50 seniors from the 2025 cohort who earned the A+ scholarship, giving them the opportunity to receive the benefit of all or most of a two-year education from a community college or technical college.

Some graduates elect to attend a four-year university or college, with a partial scholarship offered by that institution. The award is independent of the A+ program funding, but in recognition of their accomplishment.

The program is already off to a strong start for this school year. A+ program requirements include: sign a participation agreement, attend a designated A+ high school for three years, graduate with a 2.5 grade point average and a 95% attendance record, complete 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, and maintain good citizenship. 

Theodorakos said that the staff does a fantastic job in working with students to identify and rectify potential barriers in eligibility.

Upon graduating and completing these requirements, students can receive tuition assistance for public community colleges, vocational, or technical schools.

“Currently, we have 45 percent of seniors enrolled, 26 of whom have already completed their tutoring hours and simply need to satisfy the remaining academic and attendance requirements,” Theodorakos said. “We continue to seek students who are on track to meet eligibility and encourage their participation.”

Also at the meeting, Theodorakos informed the board of the district’s efforts to ready students for the yearly End of Course (EOC) exams.

In the spring, students in four areas of study – Algebra, English 11, Biology, and U.S. Government – will be administered the state test.

Theodorakos lauded the power check program, which will provide data on students’ progress in the testing areas.

“Students are given six opportunities throughout the year to practice for their EOCs,” Theodorakos said. “We just finished the first round and are already tracking the data. Students have their power check folders with them, so they can take ownership (of the tracking process).”

Board member Erin Williams lauded the progress checks for students throughout the year and added that it, hopefully, would provide a guide for student improvement.

“I’m excited to see how the power checks progress,” Williams said. “Also, to see if they help improve math scores.”

Also at the meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Matt Abernathy provided an update on the district’s bus routes.

“We’ve adjusted stops and times based on removing riders who hadn’t used the buses,” Abernathy said. “The (amended) routes will take effect on Sept. 23 and run through the rest of the semester.”

The revised route plan passed via a 6-0 vote, with board members David Mikus and Heidi Box Halleman absent.