Do We Want To Be Number 1?

In a recent post, "Another Alternative to DRHS?", we cited this information from an article in the Bangor Daily News:

The latest state data on dropout rates [link added] available to local officials showed that the center’s sending school districts — SAD 4 in Guilford, SAD 41 in Milo, SAD 68 in Dover-Foxcroft, SAD 46 in Dexter, SAD 48 in Newport and the Greenville school system — had much higher dropout rates than the statewide average.

In 2004-05, these school districts had a combined dropout rate of 4.71 percent, compared with a state rate of 2.78 percent that year.

Following up on the DOE 2004-2005 total secondary dropout reporting is very telling -- and very disturbing. Follow the link above, and the one below, to see for yourself. Has anyone in our system really attempted to determine the root cause of the extremely high dropout rate at DRHS?

Out of a reported 383 students in 2004-2005, twenty-nine DRHS students dropped out. That’s 7.57% of the student population! Compare this to other high schools in the region and you’ll really find yourself asking ---why?

Take Nokomis (SAD #48) for example; the dropout rate there is less than half at 3.75% of 774 students.

We really don’t want to stay at the top of this list. We really need to get to the bottom!

While you're at it, check out the rankings.