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Sierra High showcases AP gains, expanded CTE and higher graduation rate at Harrison School District 2 meeting
Summary
Students and administrators from Sierra High School presented data showing increased AP participation, growth in graduation rates and a district-driven plan to enroll eighth graders in CTE pathways, while highlighting challenges including high free/reduced-lunch and special-education rates.
Sierra High School students and administrators presented a message of academic growth and expanded career pathways at the Harrison School District 2 board meeting on May 19.
Students on Sierra’s peer mediation team introduced the presentation and described schoolwide social-emotional and academic supports. “We are the proud members of Sierra’s peer mediation team,” said Persia Hankins, a junior. School presenters reported 2025 enrollment of 868 students and noted that 82.8% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the minority rate is 84.4% and 50.9% of students are multilingual.
The school reported measurable gains in Advanced Placement participation. Gustav Valdovinis, a senior who discussed academic performance, said AP enrollment rose from 112 students in 2021 to 193 in 2025, and AP exams taken increased from 164 to 302 during the same period; the proportion of exam takers scoring 3 or higher rose from about 13.39% to 27.98%.
Administrators described a multi-pronged strategy to boost early exposure to Career and Technical Education. Sierra outlined 12 CTE pathways and said counselors now enroll every eighth grader in at least one introductory pathway course to increase exposure and continuity into higher-level, certification-bearing classes.
Athletics and student life were part of the presentation: Brian Vecchio, Sierra’s athletic director, introduced a short student video highlighting a senior student-athlete’s participation in concurrent enrollment and regional programs. Students and coaches credited extracurriculars and staff supports with improving school climate and student outcomes.
Board members praised the student presenters and staff for the work reflected in the data and the presentation. The district said the materials will be reviewed as part of ongoing school support and planning.
