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Derby High reports 90.7% 4‑year graduation rate, growth in concurrent enrollment and AP qualifying scores
Summary
Derby High School principal presented school performance data to the board, highlighting a 90.7% four‑year graduation rate, increases in concurrent-enrollment participation and a 74% AP qualifying rate on 2024 exams.
Derby, Kan. — Derby High School Principal Gretchen Pontius told the board on April 28 that the school’s 4‑year graduation rate was 90.7% and that the school had grown concurrent‑enrollment participation and AP qualifying rates.
Pontius said the 90.7% graduation rate places the school above the state’s 4‑year average and noted a dip in 2023 that staff attributed to a leadership transition. “We’re really working to put in place now to make sure no matter what happens, that will never happen again,” she said as she outlined interventions for students off track.
Concurrent enrollment and AP data: Pontius told the board that college‑algebra concurrent enrollment increased to 61 students (up from an initial 28) and that program offerings through WSU Tech and Newman University have expanded. She also reported that the 2024 AP qualifying rate (students earning scores that qualify for credit) was 74 percent — the highest recorded in the school’s data set — with 11 students taking 68 AP tests in 2024.
Other highlights presented to the board included a CNA pinning ceremony, planned EMT and fire‑science programming, the use of vape detectors (which Pontius said appear to have reduced incidents), and a record number of students completing state assessments. The principal also discussed graduation‑requirement review for the class of 2028 and work‑based learning expansions during the school’s prime‑time/homeroom period.
Why it matters: Graduation and AP/dual‑credit participation affect post‑secondary readiness, district accountability measures and course‑of‑study choices for students. The growth in concurrent enrollment and higher AP qualifying rates suggest increased college readiness among participating students.
Board response: Trustees thanked Pontius for the presentation and highlighted the importance of continued supports for graduation and AP participation; no formal vote was required for the informational presentation.
Ending: Pontius stood for questions and then the meeting moved to staff recognitions and district reports.
