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District presents college-and-career readiness gains and areas for improvement to school committee
Summary
District staff reported increases in advanced-course participation, AP scores and FAFSA completion for June graduates (64%), while noting a drop from the 2022 4‑year graduation peak and plans for expanding internships and a career fair in March 2026.
District leaders presented a progress report on college-and-career readiness, highlighting both gains and areas that need work.
Dr. Rose Boulet and colleagues told the committee that the district's 4‑year graduation rate reached 85% in 2022 but has declined since; presenters said the district "graduated 55 fewer students" across recent ceremonies and is working with high schools to reverse that trend. They reported an increase of 171 more 11th and 12th graders participating in advanced coursework in 2024 and a steady rise in AP participation and scores, with more students scoring 3–5 on AP exams.
Staff also reported a reported 20% increase in FAFSA completion for June graduates between 2024 and 2025, bringing the June‑graduate completion rate to 64% (presenters noted that figure excludes summer graduates). Work‑based learning placements rose about 21%, and the district highlighted a new DESE designation for a manufacturing pathway at Central High School and a plan to expand career‑and‑internship programming, including a career fair tentatively scheduled for March 23, 2026 targeting roughly 550 students.
Presenters said the district will continue to expand internship and resume‑building supports through the myCAP/SchoolLinks platform and to partner with MassHire and local employers on pathways into healthcare and manufacturing. Committee members thanked the presenters; the presentation did not require a committee vote.
