Area super-intendents reflect on MCA scores

For 2025, 45.2% of students across the state were proficient in math, according to the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) scores released by the state last month.
For reading, the statewide average was 49.6%.
Some area school districts are celebrating success, while others caution that state testing is not the only factor in determining academic success.
Byron
Byron Public Schools students, once again, tested above the state average in both math and reading.
According to the test results, 64.4% of Byron students were proficient in math and 68.5% of students were proficient in reading.
“We are proud of our students, staff, and families for their hard work as reflected in our recent MCA results. These scores highlight the commitment of our staff and the perseverance of our students,” Superintendent Nate Walbruch wrote. “They also show the strong support we receive from families and the Byron community. While MCA scores are a measure of achievement, they are only one of many ways we assess student growth and learning. Our focus goes beyond a single test. Our commitment to the Profile of a Graduate—character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking-- remain a focus as we teach students the skills needed to thrive in a changing world. We celebrate our successes while keeping our eyes on continued growth. Our results motivate us to keep improving, adapting, and working together to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Byron Schools remain committed to preparing students for success today and in the future.”
Hayfield
Hayfield Community Schools came in below the state average for both reading and math, with 34.7% of students being proficient in math and 37.5% for reading.
But Hayfield Superintendent Gregg Slaathaug sees test scores as just one measure of success.
“The MCA scores are an important tool in measuring student achievement, and at Hayfield Community Schools we take academic excellence seriously,” he wrote in an email. “We’ve strengthened our curriculum and invested in teacher training to give students the best opportunities to succeed. At the same time, test results are just one snapshot—our true mission is to develop the whole student, preparing them with knowledge, character, and skills for life beyond the classroom.
Triton
Over in Triton, 49.2% of students were proficient in math, according to the MCA test scores.
For reading, 42.4% of students were proficient, both increases over last year.
“Triton Public Schools is proud to report continued academic growth in areas and other areas of needed improvement as measured by the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs),” Superintendent Luke Lutterman wrote. “We have seen growth in several areas. MCAs are one measure, and we will continue to use this assessment data, along with other data points, to ensure our academic programming meets the needs of all learners. The continued academic progress at Triton is visible every day through engaging and relevant learning experiences, hard work, and personal connections.”
Kasson-Mantorville
For Kasson-Mantorville 58.7% of students were proficient in math, and 62.9% of students were proficient for reading.
“Across all grades Kasson-Mantorville students outperform the state average by 5 to 23 percentage points,” Superintendent Beth Giese wrote in a recent column. “These results are a true celebration of the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the unwavering support of families and our community. Kasson-Mantorville’s tradition of excellence continues to shine, and I am honored to lead a district that is setting such a strong example of student success in Minnesota.”