District reports high on‑time graduation rates and outlines supports for Class of 2026

Dr. Willard presented the district’s progress‑to‑graduation review for the Class of 2026, telling the board the Class of 2025 four‑year on‑time graduation rate was 96.3% and the five‑year rate 96.1%.

Willard described the district’s three graduation requirements: a high school and beyond plan, credit requirements (24 credits, including 17 core credits) and personalized pathway options. He explained multiple options for meeting graduation pathways, including advanced placement, SAT, CTE dual credits and performance‑based portfolios built in the college and career readiness seminar.

The presentation outlined processes the district uses to keep students on track: weekly and monthly data monitoring, ninth‑grade success teams (a state grant supported initiative), targeted interventions, credit recovery and reengagement programs such as Sequoia High School and the Everett Reengagement Academy.

Willard said the district had seen small increases in on‑track rates for multilingual learners and students qualifying for free and reduced‑price meals and cited a roughly 5% increase for multilingual learners compared with the prior year. He emphasized active follow‑up for students who stop attending school and noted the district pursues documentation for GED recipients to ensure accurate reporting.

Board members asked about tracking McKinney‑Vento (students in transition), GED reporting procedures and supports for students working instead of attending school; Willard confirmed those subgroups are tracked and described efforts to connect students to postsecondary and career pathways when appropriate.

Next steps: staff will continue ongoing monitoring and interventions through the remainder of the school year, and the board will receive further updates at future meetings.