PRESS RELEASE:

Bend-La Pine Schools’ Class of 2017 student graduation rate marks an all-time high for the percentage of students graduating on-time, according to a report released by the Oregon Department of Education today.

The combined rate for district students earning a diploma on-time from Bend-La Pine Schools improved by more than 10-percentage points in the last six years alone – up from 68.2 (Class of 2011) to 78.7 percent (Class of 2017).

Deputy Superintendent Jay Mathisen says this outcome is the result of nearly a decade of continual improvement.

“Our staff’s relentless efforts to know each individual by their name, strength and need allows our teaching and learning teams to personalize student engagement in ways that ensure students are involved in their education and on track for graduation,” said Mathisen. “We are fortunate to have many of Oregon’s best educators and support staff on our team, making these successes a reality for students.”

Bend-La Pine Schools students’ graduation rate continues to outpace the state graduation average. The graduation rate tracks students beginning in ninth grade and measures how many of those students graduate within four years. The rate is adjusted for students moving in or out of the district.