Citrus County Graduates at Historic Highs

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the joint chambers at the opening of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session and highlighted an important milestone for public education. During his remarks, the Governor announced that Florida achieved a record-high statewide graduation rate of 92.2 percent. That is a meaningful accomplishment for students, families, educators, and communities across the state.

Here in Citrus County, the news is even more encouraging.

For the 2024–25 school year, Citrus County exceeded the state average with a graduation rate of 94.1 percent, the highest in our district’s history. At the individual school level, our three traditional high schools posted even stronger results, with a combined average graduation rate of 96.33 percent. Citrus High School led the way at 97.4 percent, followed closely by Crystal River High School at 96.0 percent and Lecanto High School at 95.6 percent.

I could not be more proud of our students, educators, and school leaders for this achievement. Graduation rates do not improve by accident. They reflect years of commitment, relationships, and intentional work by teachers, counselors, administrators, support staff, families, and, most importantly, students who persevere through challenges and stay focused on their goals.

Graduation rates are a powerful indicator of student success because they represent the culmination of many factors. To earn a standard diploma, students must demonstrate academic readiness, meet course requirements, pass required assessments or approved alternatives, and remain engaged through four demanding years of high school. When students cross that stage, it signals not only academic achievement, but also resilience, consistency, and support.

While we rightly celebrate these results, it is also important to recognize that graduation is not the finish line. For many students, it is the starting point for what comes next. Whether a graduate chooses college, the military, direct entry into the workforce, career and technical training, or a combination of these paths, a high school diploma opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. For students still working toward completion through adult education or equivalency programs, meaningful opportunities remain to achieve that milestone, and those pathways continue to matter deeply to our community.

Understanding how graduation rates are calculated in Florida also helps put these numbers in context. The rate most often cited is the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate. This federally defined measure tracks a group of students who enter ninth grade for the first time and calculates the percentage who earn a standard diploma within four years. Several key factors are included in this calculation. Students who earn standard diplomas are counted as graduates, including those who qualify through approved assessment waivers or concordant scores. Students who earn a GED, whether through a traditional or adult program, are not counted as graduates in this federal measure, even though their accomplishments remain important. Additionally, students who transfer to adult education programs or are placed in Department of Juvenile Justice facilities are not removed from the cohort and may remain counted as non-graduates for graduation rate purposes.

This context makes Citrus County’s progress even more noteworthy. Over the last five school years, our district has demonstrated a significant upward trend in its four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate. After reaching a low point of 84.9 percent in the 2022–23 school year, Citrus County rebounded strongly to reach 94.1 percent in 2024–25. That level of improvement reflects intentional changes, renewed focus, and a shared commitment to student success.

These results speak to the strength of our schools and the dedication of our educators, who work every day to meet students where they are and help them move forward. They also reflect strong partnerships with families and the broader community, which play a critical role in supporting attendance, engagement, and persistence. While I am incredibly proud of these accomplishments, I also encourage Florida to continue expanding alternative pathways to graduation, including broader use of alternative assessments and opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of standards through portfolios for good-cause graduation, similar to the approach Florida uses with third-grade students.

As a school board member and as a member of this community, I view these graduation rates as both a celebration and a responsibility. We should take pride in what has been accomplished while committing ourselves to sustaining and improving these outcomes. Our goal must remain clear: ensuring every student has the opportunity, support, and encouragement needed to graduate prepared for whatever path they choose next.

Citrus County has shown what is possible when expectations are high and support is strong. Our students have earned this moment, and they deserve our continued belief in their potential.

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