KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — The graduation rates in Kalamazoo Public Schools continue to rise incrementally every year in the urban district, despite all the challenges the district and its largely low income students face.
The numbers show Kalamazoo is turning out graduates at a higher rate than other comparable districts in the state.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice says the number of grads has increased by 52% in the last 13-years and they are getting close to their goal of 79% graduating by 2020.
He adds that graduation rates at Central and Loy Norrix are already above the state average of 80%.
But the district rate is still being pulled down by the students at the alternative high schools.
While “The Promise” has been an incentive, Dr. Rice says it’s been dozens of smaller initiatives that have contributed to more students getting their diplomas.
He says graduation rates will continue to improve because they have yet to see the effects that mentoring, full day kindergarten and pre-school programs, summer book giveaways and dozens of other programs have had on students moving up toward graduation.
(copy written by John McNeill)
