San Bernardino City Unified's Graduation Rate Exceeds County Average

San Bernardino City Unified School District made history by exceeding the San Bernardino County graduation rate for the Class of 2014, with 79.9 percent of students earning a high school diploma, 1.3 percent higher than the county rate of 78.6 percent. New state data released Tuesday shows SBCUSD high schools are graduating more students and fewer are dropping out. The District’s graduation rate increased by 4.4 percent, according to data from the California Department of Education. This is the third consecutive year that the District’s graduation rate has grown. Also noteworthy is the fact that African-American students and special education students posted significant graduation increases, 8.4 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively. This latest jump in graduation rates brings the San Bernardino City Unified School District within less than a percentage point from the statewide rate, which is 80.8 percent. Board of Education President Michael J. Gallo credits the work of the District’s dedicated teachers, classified staff, and administrators for removing barriers that previously prevented students from earning a high school diploma. “This is tremendous news for our students and our entire community,” Gallo said. “The increase in graduation rates is evidence that our programs are effective and—most importantly—our commitment to making hope happen is real. We are giving our young people an opportunity to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.” Graduation rates have increased at each of the District’s high schools for the past two years and the number of students dropping out of school decreased during that same time period. One highlight is the Blue Ribbon, award-winning Middle College High School, which had a 100 percent graduation rate in 2014. And, Arroyo Valley, Pacific, and San Bernardino High Schools all saw graduation rates increase more than six percent from 2013 to 2014. Studies show students who earn a high school diploma are better prepared to succeed in the workforce and have a higher long-term earning potential than those who don’t graduate. That’s why the District’s higher graduation rate is great news for the entire community, said Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden. “Putting a high school diploma in the hands of more students is a crucial step in creating a more vibrant local economy that attracts businesses,” Marsden said. “We’re confident that students won’t stop at a high school diploma. The end goal for all our students is higher education, whether it is a two- or four-year college degree or trade school.” Along with a higher graduation rate comes a lower student dropout rate. Since 2012, the rate of students leaving school without a diploma has steadily decreased from 15.4 percent to 10.4 in 2014. The District’s dropout figures are now lower than the San Bernardino County and California rate, 12.2 and 11.6 percent, respectively. Concerted, district-wide efforts to keep students in school are making a significant difference. Among them are Operation Student Recovery and the Hope Maker program that partners high school students with District employees and community leaders who serve as guides to keep students engaged in their education. Operation Student Recovery sends teams of District employees and community members to visit the homes of students with chronic absences. Additionally, the District’s restorative justice and positive behavior interventions have reduced student suspensions, expulsions, and citations. Marsden attributes the historically high graduation rates to the leadership of the Board of Education, combined with the work of all District stakeholders. “Making hope happen for our students means using a broad range of holistic approaches to help all children. Having Board members who always place students first makes a difference,” Marsden said. “And, when you tell custodians, teachers, and cafeteria workers that they’re capable of making hope happen for students, amazing things are suddenly possible.”