Gilchrist schools have the highest graduation rate in the state

By Carrie A. Mizell

Gilchrist County has the highest rate of graduating high school seniors in the state of Florida, according to the Florida Department of Education.
A press release issued on December 4 announced that Florida’s graduation rate reached a record level of 76.3 percent in 2009.
The graduation rate among seniors in the Gilchrist County School District also jumped from 90.2 percent in 2007-08 to 94.7 percent in 2008-09.
“Gilchrist County School District has continued to improve the graduation rate for many years now,” Superintendent Don Thomas said.
“I believe we have faculty and staff who are concerned about the students who are not in school,” Thomas continued.
The superintendent went on to say that one of the Gilchrist County School District’s greatest assets is its truancy program.
“John Vickers is key in his efforts to make sure our students are attending school regularly and staying in school,” Thomas continued. “He doesn’t hesitate to visit a home, knock on the door and ask why the student isn’t in school today.”
According to school data, the graduation rate at Bell High School climbed from 87.3 percent in 2007-08 to 95.7 percent in 2008-09.
At Trenton High School, the graduation rate also increased from 93.5 percent in 2007-08 to 93.7 percent in 2008-09.
Janet Bradley, director of secondary education for the Gilchrist County School District, attributed the county’s high graduation rate to the fact that the school district looks at each student individually.
“The guidance counselors work every day to identify the needs of our students and try to identify resources that are needed for them to be successful at school,” Bradley explained. “We track our absences and followup when our students are out.”
Bradley also said that school district officials are working hard to offer credit recovery to students when they get behind in credits for graduation.
Trenton High School Principal Lynette Langford said that she is proud of the career and technical programs that Trenton and Bell schools have in place.
“Students enjoy school more when part of the day can be something they are really interested in,” Langford said.
“We are able to offer our students different exit options for graduation,” Langford continued.
Locally, Dixie County posted a 74 percent graduation rate in 2008-09, while the Levy County School District had a 67 percent graduation rate last year. Similarly, Alachua County had a 66.5 percent graduation rate in 2008-09.