During a recent meeting of the Gadsden Independent School District (GISD) board, Superintendent Dempsey presented an overview of the district's graduation rates, highlighting a significant upward trend. The latest figures indicate a graduation rate of 87.8%, the highest in the district's history, with a goal set to reach 90% in the near future. This marks an increase from previous years, with rates fluctuating between 81.8% and 84% from 2018 to 2021.

Dempsey explained that graduation rates are calculated based on cohorts, tracking students from their freshman year through various exit codes, which include graduation, transfers, and dropouts. The superintendent emphasized the importance of understanding these metrics, noting that the district's performance is assessed not only by graduation rates but also by proficiency rates and efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Board members engaged in a discussion regarding the methodology behind the graduation rate calculations, clarifying that while the district provides raw data to the state, it is the state that ultimately calculates the graduation rates based on standardized formulas.

In addition to graduation rates, the meeting also touched on the topic of student attendance and chronic absenteeism. Superintendent C. noted that the district is required to present a state attendance plan by December, which aims to address and improve attendance issues across the district.

Overall, the discussions underscored GISD's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and addressing challenges related to student retention and attendance. The board's focus on these metrics reflects a broader initiative to ensure that students are not only graduating but also achieving proficiency in their studies.