El Dorado School District graphic announcing the monthly School Board meeting on October 5, 2026, in the Central Office Board Room. The district logo appears on the left, with large text reading “Monthly School Board Meeting” on the right.

Barton Junior High Highlights Growth at October School Board Meeting

El Dorado School District

October 6, 2026

The El Dorado School Board met Monday, October 5, for its monthly meeting, which included district recognitions, an update from Barton Junior High, and regular Board business.

Barton Junior High Principal Michelle Henry shared an update highlighting the campus’s academic and behavioral growth during the 2025–2026 school year.

Barton improved its school letter grade from a D to a B, with its total accountability points increasing from 363.51 in 2025 to 473.10 in 2026, exceeding the state average of 432.74 points.

The campus saw particularly strong growth in mathematics. Among eighth-grade students, the percentage performing at Levels 3 and 4 increased from 29% in 2025 to 49% in 2026. Seventh-grade math also showed significant cohort growth, increasing from 22% to 37%.

Growth was also reported in English language arts and science, including an increase in eighth-grade ELA cohort performance from 31% to 38% and eighth-grade science cohort performance from 41% to 43%.

Barton was also recognized with three Outstanding Educational Performance Awards for its academic performance and growth.

The progress extended beyond academics. Barton set a goal of reducing disruptive-conduct office referrals from 154 during the 2024–2025 school year to 130. The campus surpassed that goal, recording 110 referrals during 2025–2026.

Henry also highlighted opportunities continuing to grow across the campus, including El Dorado Education Foundation grants supporting music, art, and Barton Bakes, as well as two eighth-grade Introduction to Agriculture classes that are helping build the district’s agriculture program.

The Board also celebrated three members of the El Dorado School District community:

Student of the Month: Khi Ingram

A smiling student stands in front of a wood-paneled wall holding an October 2026 El Dorado School District Student of the Month certificate.

Teacher of the Month: Jack Russell

A smiling man stands in the El Dorado School District board room holding an October 2026 Teacher of the Month certificate.

Employee of the Month: Ashley Robinson

A smiling woman stands in the El Dorado School District board room holding an October 2026 Classified Employee of the Month certificate, with an American flag visible in the background.

Congratulations to each of our October honorees! We are grateful for the positive impact they make throughout the El Dorado School District.

During the business portion of the meeting, the Board approved the previous month’s meeting minutes and the district’s monthly financial reports.

Board meeting minutes and monthly financial information are available on the district website under State Required Information.