District reports gains in graduation rates, highlights math focus and youth truth survey

In an administrative report, the assistant superintendent reviewed district academic data, saying the four‑year graduation rate fell during the pandemic and has shown improvement since then. He highlighted subgroup gains: the proportion of students listed as belonging to underserved racial groups who graduated rose from 62% to about 77.8% in the most recent reporting, and students who have ever been served as English learners (Ever ELL) moved from about 61% five‑year completers to about 72% in the latest figures.

The assistant superintendent also previewed forthcoming items for the board: a district integrated guidance plan (community and student input sessions were scheduled) and a focused presentation on K–12 mathematics by district staff and Jeremy Smith at the next board meeting.

Why it matters: Board members were shown metrics the district uses to track progress, including ninth‑grade on‑track rates, which the presenter described as one of the strongest predictors of on‑time graduation. The assistant superintendent said ninth‑grade on track rose to an all‑time high this year, which he tied to work done in professional learning communities and targeted literacy and math interventions.

Clarifying details: The assistant superintendent cautioned that while progress exists, the district is “not there yet” and that work continues on five‑year completion rates. He also noted statewide funding pressures — including rising PERS costs and a funding cap on special education weighting at 11% — as budgetary constraints that may affect program capacity.

Ending: The board asked questions about timing and causes of changes; the assistant superintendent said the district will provide a more detailed YouthTruth report and a mathematics presentation at the next meeting.