As the 2025-26 school year comes to an end, East scroll students sit down with principal Jill Versteeg for a reflection of East High’s year. Mrs. Versteeg reports on returning staff, Panorama data, attendance status, and growth from previous years.

What do principals do over the summer?
Most people think principals have all summer off, but that is not true, Versteeg will be in meetings, planning and preparing for the next year.
“We do some meetings to debrief the year and look at our data to help us make plans for the next year,” Versteeg said.
What are the highest points of the year?
This year has brought great growth in many areas, graduation rate increased by 6 percent, high percentages of ninth grades students passing classes with the help of ninth grade on track, and growth in attendance.
“We have also seen growth in our map tests from this winter, some nice double digits, helping us know where we need growth,” Versteeg said
Low points of this year?
Although attendance has increased attendance rates are still not where they need to be.
“Kids need to be in classes, and they need to be in school,” Versteeg said.
How many staff are returning?
Versteeg expects a great variety of staff to return, creating a positive consistency in courses and classes for students, having great outcomes in many aspects.
Are there any big changes to students’ schedules for the next school year?
Due to the high staff return rate keeping consistency in courses there will be no big changes we can expect for student schedules for the 2026-27 school year.
Challenges East has overcome this year?
There have been great outcomes and turnouts from work through previous years shown this year.
“We’ve had a really good year,” Versteeg said.
What are goals you have set for East for school next year?

“I don’t have any set so far but there will still for sure be needed increase in attendance,” Versteeg said. Versteeg mentioned a heavy focus on literacy for students, and a high support for it in a variety of ways to help guide students in the right path.
How do you measure success?
Versteeg measures success for East through few different ways, Panorama data and MAP testing scores have been a great way to find out where there has been growth and where there needs to be growth.
“Panorama data helped with students and a sense of their belonging allowing us staff to understand where they are,” Versteeg said.
Will advisory be returned next year, and if so, how often?
Versteeg expects advisory to carry into next year, possibly once a month or even more often, a time to restate expectations and give important information by tying it classroom students are already in.
Is there anything else you would like to add?