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Every year the American School Board Journal (with the National School Boards Association and Sodexo) recognizes excellent school district leadership with the Magna Awards. The following district is a 2012 winner.

Story posted June 26, 2012

Results:

• Johnston County Schools’ dropout rate has steadily declined, from a high of 5.39 percent in 2006-07 to 3.19 percent in 2010-11 and the raw numbers dropped from 465 to 213.
• The district’s graduation rate increased over the same period from 72.8 percent to 78.7 percent in 2010-11.
• The program has brought together community groups and support for at-risk students is rapidly gaining momentum.

DISTRICT DILEMMA

Johnston County is one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Carolina. The makeup of the student population is changing dramatically, reflecting an increase in students with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Students also come from diverse economic backgrounds: Eighteen percent of the county’s children live in poverty and 40 percent of students receive free or reduced-price lunches. Of the more than 32,000 students enrolled in Johnston County Schools, an estimated one third exhibit at-risk characteristics. Many students do not fit the “traditional” student mold and lack family support. The district’s dropout rate has exceeded the state average, and school leaders were concerned that the rapid growth of the district could accelerate the dropout problem.

SOLUTION

GRADUATE! provides personalized educational experiences to high school dropouts in a separate educational setting, allowing them to earn their diplomas. Supports include online and face-to-face courses, tutoring, mentoring, career and job coaching, housing, and mental health services. This initiative is a collaborative effort among the district and community organizations, including East Carolina University, Johnston Community College, Boys and Girls Club, Vocational Rehabilitation, Family Restoration Services, and Johnston County Industries. To maintain the program, the school board has hired a part-time, licensed high school teacher to provide face-to-face seminars as well as to monitor student progress.

THE BOARD’S INVOLVEMENT

The board realized that the entire community needed to take ownership of the district’s dropout problem. The focus shifted: Dropouts became “our” problem issue instead of “their” problem. The board spurred a broad-based, communitywide effort to increase the number of students who graduate from high school. Everyone involved was asked to share information about the importance of staying in school with students, their families, and the community. The board urged collaboration throughout the entire community to advocate for students who were at risk of dropping out. In addition, the board increased its financial support to sustain the dropout prevention program.

RESULTS

Johnston County Schools’ dropout rate has steadily declined over the past five years, from a high of 5.39 percent in 2006-07 to 3.19 percent in 2010-11. The raw numbers dropped from 465 to 312. The district’s graduation rate increased over the same period from a low of 72.8 percent to 78.7 percent in 2010-11. The GRADUATE! Program already has paid great dividends for students in addition to reducing the dropout rate and increasing the graduation rate. The program has brought community groups together and support for at-risk students is rapidly gaining momentum.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Oliver Johnson, executive director for student services, at oliverjohnson@johnston.k12.nc.us. The district’s website is at www.johnston.k12.nc.us.

This story was originally featured as a NSBA 2012 Magna Awards publication—a supplement to the American School Journal. For more information and to see other winners, visit www.asbj.com/magna.

Story reposted with permission.