CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s high school graduation rate continues to climb.
Dr. Steve Paine, the state superintendent of schools, told members of the state Board of Education the rate was 90.2 percent for West Virginia’s 2018 Class.
It represented an increase from 89.4 percent the previous year and 89.6 percent the year before that.
“That’s good news. That would rank us as the 3rd state in the country, the 3rd highest graduation rate in the country,” Paine said.
During the January meeting of the WVBE, Superintendent Paine announced the statewide 4-year graduation rate for 2017-18 was 90.2% – the highest graduation rate we’ve seen in years! Thank you to all the teachers and administrators who work daily to make this happen! #TeachWV pic.twitter.com/PKyvKUJzS4
— WV Dept of Education (@WVeducation) January 10, 2019
“That’s one outcome that we’re very pleased about. Our kids have gotten the message.”
Since the 2009-2010 school year, he said West Virginia’s high school graduation rate has been steadily rising.
“Our kids have figured out they need a high school education to do anything, but that’s not where it ends,” Paine said.
“They need to get into a 13th year program or advanced credential or two-year program or four-year program.”
Members of the state Board of Education met in Charleston on Thursday and Friday.
Debra Sullivan, a BOE member, said she was happy to hear the graduation information.
“That’s exciting news, to hear that we’re continuing to move up,” she said.
Paine, though, said he did not think the graduation numbers had yet reached a ceiling.
“I think that rates can go higher,” he said.