Improving test scores is really two fold. We need to first inform the parents about what is being taught. For example, I bet many parents don't know about the push for "Common Core Standards" in addition or in place of ISAT. Common Core is a teaching methodology that helps students to learn to think critically (which is very hard). I think it is impossible as a parent to help my child succeed if I don't know what the school or benchmark exams expect. I personally have "lived" through this with my fifth grader It is a matter of informing parents AND identifying students who are at high risk for being unsuccessful . Secondly, although Sylvan and other facilities offer some free tutoring, it is not offered to ALL students and is not offered in many subjects. We need to make these services available to everyone in need. In answer to your question about security, many of the buildings in the morning have unlimited access in the doors that the students enter. Which means that anyone not just students can come in. That needs to stop. In paying for new initiatives, we need to look for grant funding and really take a hard look at the district budget. Are we really using the district money wisely? I'm guessing not!