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Communities & Schools reports 100% graduation rate, expands supports for Caldwell County students
Summary
At the May 18 Caldwell County commissioners meeting, Communities & Schools presented an impact report that reported a 100% graduation rate for the senior cohort and described mentoring, whole‑school services and corporate support for devices, workforce tools and emergency aid.
Keith Heinemann, who presented Communities & Schools’ annual impact report to the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners on May 18, said the program recorded a 100% graduation rate for the district’s senior cohort this year and described how the program connects students to college, military service or the workforce.
“We have 100 percent graduation rate this year,” Heinemann said, noting 46 seniors in the cohort and that 21 plan to continue at local community colleges while others go into the workforce or four‑year programs. He described the program’s footprint as operating at seven school sites and serving about 11% of students at those locations.
Mr. Peebles, who described the program’s whole‑school services, said students and volunteers ran a recent food drive that collected “over 500 boxes of cereal” for local distribution through Yokefellow and highlighted school partnerships with the county animal shelter and other nonprofits.
Sharman Frizzell outlined career and technical education supports, saying the program helps students take dual‑enrollment classes and access certification pathways such as CNA and automotive programs, and that donors underwrite supplies and tools so students can participate.
Presenters credited corporate partners for financial support of digital access and emergency assistance. A slide referenced a $100,000 contribution from Google, while presenters later described figures of $30,000 and “over $20,000” applied to specific uses; the amounts in the presentation were not reconciled on the record. Presenters said the funds supported devices, hotspots, workforce supplies and emergency aid to help families with rent and utilities.
Heinemann and staff invited county employees and other community members to serve as mentors and volunteers; the presentation reported about 105 mentors who meet weekly with middle‑school students and 142 recognitions given to students this year funded by local foundations. The presenters said next year’s fundraising event is scheduled for May 21, 2027.
The vice chair and commissioners thanked the presenters and the board did not take formal action beyond receiving the report.
