District rolls out year‑round graduation initiative as NWEA and cohort data highlight on‑track gaps

District academic leaders presented a rollout of a year‑round graduation initiative aimed at improving cohort outcomes across K–12. The initiative includes a "graduation initiative playbook," employee onboarding modules, a parent success hub (planned for July 2026) and a calendar of events schools will populate by August.

Kelly Fields described operational details and said principals will populate event calendars for commitment breakfasts, transition activities and other cohort supports. Fields said the playbook and related materials will be available to staff and parents and that the district plans targeted materials and a communications schedule (including social media content).

Leaders presented spring NWEA results and cohort readiness figures. Fields said Southwestern High School's four‑year graduation rate for a past cohort was about 52.3%, below the state benchmark of 68%, with a dropout rate of roughly 24.7%. For incoming cohorts, Fields said many ninth graders are not on track: of 155 rising ninth graders, 72 were off track; other cohort counts showed similar concern for on‑track rates.

Board consultant Tracy Davis emphasized that proficiency and growth must be monitored across quarters and that interventions need to be aligned to assessment and instructional practice. "Graduation does not start in high school — that starts at PreK," Davis said, urging systemwide alignment and coaching to raise proficiency.

Trustees praised the initiative rollout but pressed for clarity on progress monitoring, teacher training in data use, and tighter alignment between initiatives and the district's strategic plan. Administration said quarterly reporting and board workshops will include academic progress monitoring tied to the graduation initiative.