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Class of 2026: board hears graduation, dropout and scholarship updates
Summary
District directors reported that the class of 2026 totaled 828 students (including 37 early graduates), highlighted rising CTE participation and associate degrees, and said reported scholarship totals were approximately $4 million greater than last year; the board flagged dropout and chronic‑absenteeism data for follow-up.
District leaders presented a Class of 2026 summary highlighting student outcomes, credentialing and concerns about dropout and chronic absenteeism.
Jason Garretson (introduced on the record as director of student services and safety) said, "This year, we ended up with 828 is how we ended out the school year," and reported 37 early graduates in May and December. Garretson said increased participation in Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses and growth in CTE credentialing were notable outcomes: the division recorded 37 associate degrees this year and increases in students earning CTE credentials across the four high schools.
Garretson and colleagues also flagged dropout and chronic-absenteeism data. In the presentation they compared the division numbers to a cited national average (5.3) and the 2025 Virginia dropout rate (5.1) and said chronic absenteeism was identified as a major factor at at least one school. Garretson said principals and central office staff will set goals for next year that include chronic-absenteeism and dropout-rate targets and that the superintendent will meet with principals to address the issue.
The presentation noted reported scholarships as of June 1, 2026 were substantially higher than last year. The presenter said that the scholarship total shown in slides was "approximately $4,000,000 greater than last year's class" (figure cited in the presentation). Board members praised students and staff for securing scholarships and encouraged continued work to reduce dropout and absenteeism.
The board heard the report, asked clarifying questions, and will incorporate dropout and chronic-absenteeism goals into principal evaluations and next year’s planning.
