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Lebanon R‑III reports surge in early graduates; board to consider policy tweaks
Summary
District officials told the board 119 students are graduating early this year — 109 at semester, 7 a year early and 3 more than a year early — prompting discussion of how block scheduling, summer credit and policy deadlines affect attendance and finances.
District leadership alerted the board to a sharp increase in early graduations this school year and proposed policy changes to manage the operational and financial consequences.
Dr. Shaughey reported that 119 students are graduating early in the current year: 109 are graduating one semester early, seven are graduating a full year early, and three are graduating more than a year early. Lebanon High School represents about 79% of the early graduates, and staff identified a mix of contributing factors including expanded access to credit in the block schedule and increased summer-course participation.
Board members and staff discussed potential policy responses. Staff suggested tightening deadlines and developing clearer protocols (for counselor meetings, credit checks, and superintendent sign‑off) to help the district plan staffing and budget impacts. Board members asked staff to analyze how many early graduates are earning college credit or entering the workforce or military immediately and to return with more detailed breakdowns in a future meeting.
Several board members voiced concern about preserving graduation quality and ensuring each early graduate has a clear post‑graduation plan; staff said they will drill down into the data and return with recommendations.
