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Board hears graduation‑rate update showing 4‑year rate at 77.95% and stronger 7‑year gains
Summary
Dr. Larson told the Moorhead Area Public Schools board that the district’s 4‑year graduation rate is 77.95%, with higher 7‑year rates across most schools; officials said attendance work, additional liaisons and credit‑recovery efforts are being used to close gaps for homeless and Native American students.
Dr. Larson presented the district’s most recent graduation statistics and described steps the district is taking to raise on‑time graduation and long‑term completion.
"The district is at 77.95," Dr. Larson said, adding that Moorhead High School’s 4‑year rate was 83.67% and that 7‑year rates are substantially higher across schools, with the high school’s 7‑year rate edging above 91%. He told the board the alternative learning center (ALC) reported a 4‑year rate near 46.59% that rises substantially when measured over seven years.
Board members and staff emphasized subgroup trends and supports. Dr. Larson said English‑language learners and American Indian students showed notable growth between 4‑ and 7‑year measures. He credited expanded outreach — including an additional homeless liaison and staff who work with Native families — and targeted programming such as credit‑recovery at the ALC.
Board members asked whether extended‑time graduates would preserve eligibility for MSUM tuition benefits if they do not graduate with their cohort. Dr. Larson said he would check the university’s policy and report back.
The presentation noted a new graduation requirement in the district: personal finance will be required to graduate beginning with the current sophomore cohort. Officials framed the change as part of broader efforts to raise on‑time completion while acknowledging that some students achieve completion on a longer timeline.
The board did not take a formal vote on the graduation data; the presentation concluded with staff describing plans to continue attendance work and individualized supports to reduce achievement gaps.
