The Massachusetts Education Department has released 2019 graduation and drop data and officials in Springfield say initiatives to encourage kids to stay in school and get a diploma are paying off.
The drop-out rate in the Springfield Public Schools hit an all-time low in 2019 and is down more than 50 percent in the last seven years.
The graduation rate is also improving – up 17 percent since 2012.
Superintendent Dan Warwick said three of the city’s high schools have been among the best in the state for graduation rate progress.
" We are not satisifed with any of these rates, we need to work harder, " said Warwick. "But every year we have had significant gains."
The four-year graduation rate in Springfield in 2019 was 73.8 percent. Statewide the graduation rate was 88 percent.
