JONESVILLE, Va. — While Lee County schools have had some problems in the past with meeting state education guidelines, there was a noticeable improvement this year.

Superintendent Fred Marion updated the school board during a brief regular meeting Tuesday. According to the report, every school in the county exceeded all No Child Left Behind (NCLB) objectives and made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward 100 percent proficiency for all students in reading and math.

Board member Donnie Brooks congratulated teachers for their progress,“The teachers need to be commended, as well as the staff of the school.

Overall, the efforts to curb an increasing dropout rate seem to be working. Marion said that currently enrollment was stabilizing. Marion said that the graduation rate for both high schools was 70 percent last year.

The board approved the following:

• Revisions to the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

• Renewal of coal bid contract to J.A.D. (same as last year).

• Retiree’s Life Insurance plans. Now the school will offer a buyout or self-insured plan.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.