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District reports 4‑year graduation rate of 87.23% for 2024–25 cohort
Summary
Dr. Briggs told the board that Wicomico County's 4‑year graduation rate reached 87.23% for the 2024–25 cohort — up two percentage points from the prior year — and explained Maryland's adjusted cohort methodology and factors that can lower the reported rate (students who need extra time, transfers, or certificate‑only outcomes).
Dr. Briggs presented newly released Maryland State Department of Education graduation data showing the district's 4‑year graduation rate for students who were seniors in the 2024–25 school year at 87.23%. He said the rate represents an increase of two percentage points from the prior year and more than four points since 2021.
Briggs explained Maryland calculates graduation rates using an adjusted cohort model that tracks students from their first day of ninth grade through four years; the 4‑year rate excludes students who take an extra summer to graduate and counts students who earn a Maryland certificate of program completion as non‑graduates in the federal reporting measure. He also noted transfer and record‑keeping issues — particularly among multilingual families or students who move out of the country — can depress the cohort rate if departures are not correctly recorded as transfers.
Briggs credited sustained district efforts — strengthening systems, focusing on instruction and leadership — for steady gains, and said four of the five high schools showed meaningful improvements. Board members had the opportunity to ask questions about methodology and future monitoring; staff said they will continue to provide periodic updates on graduation, attendance and proficiency measures.
