In a recent meeting of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board, the focus turned to the pressing issue of graduation rates among Native students. Under the warm glow of city hall lights, board members engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the educational challenges faced by this community.

The committee reviewed the latest data from the catch can report card, revealing a four-year graduation rate of 67.8 percent for Native students. This figure, while concerning, is contrasted by a more promising five-year graduation rate of 81.4 percent. The board expressed a desire to understand the factors contributing to this disparity, recognizing that while the five-year rate shows improvement, the four-year rate indicates a need for enhanced support to ensure equitable educational outcomes.

To address these challenges, the committee plans to meet monthly, with the possibility of more frequent gatherings as they work to gather data and collaborate with local organizations. They aim to explore programs and research that could help identify why some Native students are dropping out and how to better support them.

Looking ahead, the committee outlined several next steps, including securing a land acknowledgment kit and connecting with various local partners such as the Ketchikan Indian Community and Saxman Scribe. They are committed to gathering additional data on graduation and achievement for Native students and will continue to provide updates to the school board.

As the meeting concluded, the board members remained focused on their shared goal of fostering collaboration and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. The discussions highlighted a community united in its commitment to improving educational outcomes for Native students, setting the stage for ongoing efforts to bridge the gap in graduation rates.