St. Lucie Schools report record 95% graduation rate, celebrate new Westwood campus
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Prince told the school board the district’s graduation rate reached a reported 95%, highlighted multiple schools with 100% rates, and celebrated a ribbon-cutting at the new Fort Pierce Westwood Academy while previewing construction of a consolidated K–8 campus.
Superintendent Dr. Prince told the St. Lucie County School Board the district’s graduation rate reached a reported 95%, calling it the highest in the district’s history and crediting broad local supports and leadership. “It rose again to its highest that it has ever been in the history of Saint Lucie County Public Schools, with a graduation rate of 95 percent,” he said.
Prince listed several schools the district reported at 100% graduation rates, naming Lincoln Park Academy, Mosaic Digital Academy, Port St. Lucie High School and Treasure Coast High School. He explained the district reports the state-recognized four-year graduation rate metric that requires passing state reading and math exams, earning 24 credits and maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
The superintendent also reviewed recent capital milestones. He thanked board members and officials for the ribbon-cutting earlier that day at the new Fort Pierce Westwood Academy and said the district plans to break ground “this summer” on a new K–8 that would combine Lawnwood, Dan McCarty and Saint Lucie Elementary campuses. He described the Westwood opening as part of the district’s commitment to expand opportunity across St. Lucie County.
Prince noted the district will continue to support students who do not graduate in four years, saying that some winter graduates are early grads while others are fifth-year seniors and that the district ‘‘doesn’t give up on you.’’ He also announced a partnership to convert the old Fort Pierce Westwood High School gym into a training site for Olympic handball in collaboration with Indian River State College.
Board members and staff framed the milestone as a team accomplishment. Dr. Mills, a board member, praised the work of principals and teachers and said the gap in outcomes for groups of students has narrowed. The superintendent said teacher recognition activities, including a surprise “Teacher of the Year” outreach the following day, will continue.
The board did not take a formal policy action tied directly to the graduation-rate announcement during this portion of the meeting. The superintendent’s remarks closed with thanks to educators and administrators and recognition of school-level achievements.
