Citrus Graduation Rates Announced

Citrus Outperforms State and Surrounding Counties

This week the Florida Department of Education released the Federal Graduation Rate for the school districts in Florida. Citrus County public schools had a Federal Graduation Rate of 80%, this compared to Florida’s average of 75.6%, Marion 75.8%, Levy 78% Pasco 76%, Sumter 78.5%, Hernando 74%, Pinellas 71.8%, and Hillsborough of 74%.  Citrus public schools have one of the highest Federal Graduation Rates in the state of Florida.

Superintendent Sam Himmel in a message to staff shared, “I am excited to announce the recent graduation rate information for the 2012-2013 school year, released by the Florida Department of Education. Our district improved from 78% in 2011-12 to 80% in 2012-2013.”

While these numbers are impressive when compared to the state and area counties, it is important to understand that the graduation requirements for students have dramatically increased these past few years and includes a new definition for the Federal Graduation Rate which excludes students with special diplomas, students that graduate in more than 4 years, students who earn a GED or students that transfer to a technical school.  Therefore when you add the high school students that have completed those programs in addition to the students Federal Graduation Rate the outcome approximately 97% of students in Citrus County complete a high school completer program.

Superintendent Himmel ended her message by sharing, “Even with these (new high school) increased standards, every high school in our district improved and I am proud of all of you, the 2,306 staff, teachers, and administrators who are responsible for this success.”

I very much concur with the Superintendent!  Great job to the students and staff!

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