District’s high school graduation rate rises dramatically

HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) – When Tony Cook became superintendent of Houston Schools, 67 percent of high school seniors graduated.

“That became an emphasis for us, we believe students who graduate have an opportunity to have life long success,” said Cook.

In less than four years, the district’s graduation rate has jumped to 89 percent.

Cook hired a “Graduation Coach” a few months into his first semester on the job.

“She does a lot of counseling with them,  she spends time with them, parents, lifetime income is significantly lower for a dropout, possibility of living in poverty is 30 times higher, 63 more times likely to be incarcerated,” said Cook.

Superintendent Cook said students are told about the importance of high school graduation long before they enter the ninth grade.  The emphasis starts at the earliest grade levels.

“Even our Pre K and Kindergarten teachers start educating students about it as soon as they get here,” said Cook.

College field trips, career days and career expos also promote graduation. The district closely monitors attendance and provides academic interventions.

Cook, along with faculty and staff are pushing students to work hard and achieve even more.

“I’ve challenged our ninth graders, current ninth graders , to have a one hundred percent graduation rate, there’s a possibility they can do that, and that’s our goal, we want all students to graduate high school.”

Houston’s graduation rate is 25th throughout the entire state.

Statistics show that a high school dropout costs a community nearly $300,000 over his or her life, in terms of healthcare, welfare and other related costs.