Quincy reports record graduates and a jump in FAFSA completion after targeted outreach

Quincy School District staff told the board the district recorded a record 258 total graduates this year and highlighted outreach that raised FAFSA/WASFA completion rates.

Colleen, a high-school presenter, said the district's graduation total reached 258 graduates and that the Quincy Institute for Alternative (QIA) produced 59 graduates, a record for that program. Staff attributed gains to more intensive student tracking, weekly reviews of individual students, additional parent communication and a new online learning platform.

Staff also presented results from an exit survey of seniors (153 respondents). They said the district raised FAFSA/WASFA completion from about 54% to about 70% through counselor outreach, on-site help and partner activity. Presenters emphasized that the survey was voluntary and that participation varies by grade; staff noted senior response rates were lower when the survey does not affect graduation requirements.

A thematic analysis of seniors' responses identified five key factors that students said mattered in postsecondary readiness: a meaningful adult connection, concrete actionable steps (for example, filling out forms together), belief from adults in the student's potential, exposure to career pathways, and consistent support for students' social-emotional needs. Presenters said 74.5% of respondents named a trusted adult who had helped them with postsecondary planning, leaving one in four without that named connection.

Staff said they will continue expanding one-on-one advising, increase community partner involvement (for example career panels and tours) and improve advisoryprogram supports so more students find a trusted adult. The district also plans to report updated FAFSA completion figures after summer follow-up.

Board members praised the outreach and asked staff to continue reporting progress, especially for students who do not yet name a trusted adult.