Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza announced that Newberg’s 4-year graduation rate for 2012 was 78.2%, up from the previous year’s rate of 70.19%.  Newberg’s graduation rate exceeds the average state 4-year graduation rate of 68%.

“Any time we increase the percentage of students graduating is cause for appreciation and celebration,” said LeBlanc-Esparza, “It’s also time for reflection about how we got there, the achievement gaps we are working relentlessly on eliminating and how we sustain success to achieve 100 percent graduation.”

The district also saw a slight increase in the dropout rate, with 2.38% of students dropping out of high school last year as compared to an all-time low of 2.18% the year before. While the districts drop out percentages mirror state trends, Newberg’s drop out rate is almost a full percentage point lower than the state average of 3.37%.

These results provide base-line data for tracking progress toward the state’s 40-40-20 goal, which calls for 100% high school completion by the year 2025.

“Because of the work of our K-12 teachers, approximately 35 more students graduated last year than the year before,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “That one accomplishment means an earning potential for each of those students of $400,000 more in their lifetime. That is great progress!”