State standardized testing will soon begin in schools across Illinois, and Central A&M is looking for better outcomes than in recent years.  The district is in a “school improvement process,” in which it takes steps to identify and address academic shortcomings.  This spring’s tests could serve as an indicator of whether or not there has been progress. 

Sacha Young is the superintendent of Central A&M schools.  She says she and consultants have been combing through the data to determine next steps.

Young says the data is just part of the process.  She also hears from teachers and other school and district colleagues on how instruction is delivered.

Away from testing, the school district has seen a number of their students and faculty members achieve success in recent months.  On the teaching side, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Betsy Burgener received the 2026 ISBE Award of Excellence. 

As for the students she oversees, five of them finished in the top two in a variety of categories at a proficiency judging competition.  It took place earlier this month at Maroa-Forsyth.

Find out more about the Central A&M School District at www.camraiders.com.

Sacha Young appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.