This week, the Minnesota Department of Education released graduation rates for the Class of 2022. Results from the report demonstrate solid increases for ISD 728. 

The District’s overall four-year graduation rate of 89.1 percent was 2.8 percent higher than the ISD 728 class of 2021 and 5.5 percent higher than the State of Minnesota average rate. Rogers High School led the way, with 95.8 percent of its senior class graduating “on time.” Online728 High School registered a 93.3 percent graduation rate with its first recorded graduating class and  Zimmerman High also boasted a graduation rate of more than 90 percent, coming in at 92.3 percent. Elk River HIgh School had a four-year graduation rate of 88.9 percent,  a 4.3 percent improvement over the class of 2021, while Ivan Sand Community High demonstrated the largest increase, improving by 7.5 percent. 

“I am grateful for the partnership with our students, families and staff here in ISD 728, as well as for the leadership and support provided by our School Board.  While there is more work to do, the results indicate that our efforts to build up our graduating classes are paying off and that we are seeing progress,” said Dr. Daniel Bittman, Superintendent of ISD728 schools. 

Breaking down four-year graduation rates by race/ethnicity, ISD 728 compares favorably to the state in all areas. The four-year graduation rate for ISD 728 students with two or more races is 100 percent, compared to 79.2 percent statewide. Similarly, the four-year graduation rates for American Indian and Hispanic students in ISD 728 are significantly higher than the state’s percentage for the same groups.

“As a District, ISD 728 has focused on providing a high-quality education for all,” said Dr. Joseph Stangler, Director of Student Services, Research, and Planning. “While we are still seeing the impact of the pandemic, it is clear that we are focusing on helping our students prepare for their college and career goals.”

Other data from the report: 

• ISD 728’s English Learners - those who have a home language that is not English - was at 85 percent, 20 percent higher than the state average.

• Students with disabilities have a graduation rate of 79.9 percent, more than 14 percent higher than the state average.

• Students qualifying for the Federal meal program had a graduation rate of 76.8 percent, more than 5 percent higher than the state average. 

More information about the District’s graduation rates can be found via the Minnesota Department of Education's Report Card, which can be accessed at https://rc.education.mn.gov/