Newberg High School’s graduation rate for the class of 2013 dropped to seventy percent from a record high 78 percent last year, according to reports released on Thursday by the Oregon Department of Education. Newberg students facing additional challenges such as disabilities, low income and those learning English, lost ground.

Newberg’s graduation rate historically lies in the low-seventy percent range, a figure that does not sit well with Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza.

“What we are doing is not adding up to enough, “ she stated. “I’m going to be relentless in this. We owe it to these kids and our community.”

The graduation rate looks at the number of students who received a regular high school diploma within four of entering high school. Last year’s seniors entered as freshmen in the 2009-10 school year. 

The state high school graduation rate saw minimal gains, rising to 69 percent for the class of 2013.

The percent of graduates increases when students who take a fifth year to graduate are included. Newberg’s five-year graduation rate is 82 percent for students who began high school in 208-09.  The five-year cohort rate fore the state of Oregon is 73 percent.

LeBlanc-Esparza is putting changes in motion she believes will turn the trend, including
• expanding the Catalyst (alternative) Program
• extending hours and increasing support for students needing to recover credit
• restructuring the high school leadership
• providing tools to better equip staff with student data
• increasing instructional time at the middle school level

“We just have to keep pushing, sharing the data and asking the right questions,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “As a school district, we are committed to preparing our students for success in college and careers, and providing our community with a strong and ready workforce.”