Plainview-Old Bethpage administrators cite 99% graduation rate; senior survey finds 73% had work experience

John F. Kennedy High School reported a 99% graduation rate and strong college and AP outcomes during a Sept. 30 presentation to the Plainview‑Old Bethpage Central School District Board of Education. Principal Heather Dvorak led administrators through a department‑by‑department scholarship and achievement report and the Class of 2025 senior exit survey, which captured responses from 94% of the class.

"We are beginning with a snapshot of our great points of pride, notably our 99 percent graduation rate," Principal Heather Dvorak told the board. Lori Lynn, director of guidance, said the guidance office processed nearly 7,000 college applications last year and highlighted AP participation and growth in programs such as AP Capstone.

The senior exit survey found 73% of graduating students reported work experience (44% worked during both the school year and summer; 29% worked in summer only). Presenters also noted strong extracurricular engagement: only 7% of respondents reported no participation in clubs, sports or other activities. Administrative presenters said many students take mixed AP/honors and Regents pathways, and that roughly 96% of graduates go on to higher education.

Department presenters described specific program successes. The Twilight recovery program expanded from a handful of students to a program serving dozens and credited that growth with enabling seniors who needed additional credits to graduate. The family and consumer sciences and early childhood programs reported expanded partnerships and food‑service outreach. The music, arts and science departments highlighted regional awards, competition placements and research successes, including students selected for Regeneron and ISEF competitions.

Tom Schwartz, presenting the Twilight and family & consumer sciences summary, said the program helped 13 seniors complete required coursework and that overall Twilight enrollment had grown to about 46 students in the most recent year. "Without that, our students wouldn't have been able to graduate," he said.

During board Q&A, members requested disaggregated follow‑up data on the 7% of students who reported no engagement, asking whether that cohort overlaps with students holding part‑time jobs or those with special needs. Guidance staff said the survey is anonymous but that analysts can report percentage breakdowns (for example, how many of the 7% worked during high school) and pledged to return with more detail.

Members also asked about cultural diversity and conflict‑resolution programming, use of artificial intelligence as an analytical tool for survey and assessment work, and the district's news‑literacy efforts with Stony Brook University. Board members praised the breadth of extracurricular and academic opportunities and requested a future update explaining the financing structure used for recent solar projects and related capital work.

The board opened the next agenda item—the grading policy review—after thanking administrators for the report. Presenters said follow‑up materials and expanded breakdowns will be shared with the board and community.