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High school officials report rising AP and dual-enrollment participation, steep drop in vaping sensor incidents
Summary
Mount Pleasant High School staff reported an 89.53% AP passing rate and a surge in dual-enrollment activity, outlined FAFSA outreach under a grant, and said bathroom vaping sensor incidents fell after monitoring and restorative interventions.
Mount Pleasant High School administrators told the school board on Feb. 2 that Advanced Placement participation and passing rates have risen markedly, dual-enrollment numbers have surged, and targeted interventions have reduced bathroom vaping incidents.
In a presentation, assistant principal Kristen Willie (S13) highlighted a multiyear increase in AP enrollment and an AP passing rate she presented as a record 89.53%, noting a roughly 31 percentage-point increase since 2021 and a significant rise in exams taken. "Our passing rate was a record 89.53," Willie said as she reviewed five-year trends and outreach efforts intended to increase access and success in AP coursework.
Willie also reviewed prescheduling and parent communication efforts intended to help families plan course selections ahead of counselor meetings, and described a renewed focus on FAFSA completion tied to a district grant (the "FAFSA Challenge"). The district reported a current senior FAFSA completion snapshot around 46.6% and said staff are running biweekly checks and outreach to raise that figure.
Vaping and student supports: High school staff (S14) described a professional development day where teachers used CKH survey data to reach out to students; they also reported dramatic declines in restroom vaping sensor activations after installing sensors, monitoring camera review and restorative conversations. The presenter said monthly sensor incidents dropped from double digits in fall months to low single digits by January, with continued monitoring in February.
Career/future fair: Staff previewed a March 19 career and future fair that will include more than 100 organizations, seasonal and summer job opportunities, internships, apprenticeships and an evening event for parents featuring colleges and military representatives.
Board response: Board members asked whether AP exam costs posed barriers to students; presenters confirmed tests cost about $95 and said the district helps students who cannot afford the fee. Members also asked for additional disaggregated data (attendance, racial/ethnic participation in AP, postsecondary certifications) to better understand equity and access.
Next steps: Administrators will continue FAFSA outreach under the grant timeline, monitor dual-enrollment scheduling and transportation needs, and report back with disaggregated participation and outcome data when available.
