GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Public Schools said its graduation rates are the highest they’ve been in recent history despite their plans to close some schools due to low enrollment. They said that overlooking program development and providing student support for future success has kept the graduation rate on a steady rise.
"Today we celebrate the highest Grand Rapids Public Schools graduation rate in recent history,” GRPS superintendent Leadriane Roby said.
The school district is celebrating a huge milestone, as its graduation rate is also the highest in the State of Michigan.
“That means more of our scholars are staying the course taking value in their education," Roby said. "More of our young people are motivated to work and our dedicated children. Our dedicated teachers are doing the work in the classroom."
The district’s graduation rate has been the highest rate since 2014 which was 49.6%. Grand Rapids Board of Education president Kimberley Williams said the district’s graduation rate is more than just a number.
“82.39% is not just a figure, it represents our future," Williams said. "It's not just a percentage, it represents the potential and it's more than a statistic. It is representative of the success that we expect from the children we serve in this community."
Despite a dip in enrollment over the last few years, the district said they’ve seen an increase in student enrollment for this school year.
“We want to make sure that we are meeting their needs supporting them, but also seeing them as people in our community that have voice that have meaning that have successful career paths,” Karl Nelson said.
The district’s graduation rate growth is one of the main objectives of their strategic plan for the ‘Reimagine GRPS With Us!’ initiative.
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