SHS graduation rate continues to climb

Shelbyville High School’s graduation rate continued to climb in 2018.

Marking the third year in a row of an increase, 243 of 252 students, or 96.43 percent of last school year’s Shelbyville seniors graduated. That was an increase from 94.03 percent in 2017 and 93.5 percent in 2016.

The 2018 graduation rate was released by the Indiana Department of Education on Wednesday.

Shelbyville Principal Kathleen Miltz said she was pleased with the results.

“It’s the culmination of efforts corporation wide,” she said in an e-mail. “At each level, students are more and more prepared as they reach us for the level of rigor necessary for a diploma. Our Student Achievement Center, headed by Melissa Lakes, helps students who struggle with traditional aspects of school. She creates an individualized type of graduation plan for these students to ensure their accomplishment with obtaining a diploma.”

She added that the high school’s success “boils down” to its “outstanding staff” being dedicated to Shelbyville Central’s mission, “Every student; every day; no exceptions; no excuses!”

The four county schools saw no significant change in 2018.

Northwestern Consolidated saw a slight increase, from 95.65 percent in 2017 to 96.36 percent in 2018. Last year’s class had 18 more students who were eligible to graduate and of the 110 students, 106 graduated.

As a whole, Shelby Eastern saw a slight decrease, from 97.47 percent to 95.29 percent. Of 85 students, 81 graduated between Morristown and Waldron high schools, after 77 of 79 graduated in 2017.

A year after all 38 students graduated, 33 of 34 Waldron seniors graduated in 2018. Morristown’s also slightly dipped by a full percent to 94.12 percent, with 48 of 51 graduating.

Southwestern’s also saw a slight decrease, from 98.28 percent to 97.87 percent. However, both years saw one student not finish. The difference was a smaller graduating class in 2018.

As a state, Indiana saw a slight increase, from 87.19 percent in 2017 to 88.1 percent a year later.

With the increase to Indiana’s graduation rate, it is evident our schools are committed to the academic success of our students,” Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick said in a media release. “While there is still work to be done, we will continue to partner with local districts to ensure every student graduates prepared for life beyond high school.”