North Clackamas Dropout Rate Falls to New Low

This year's district dropout rate is close to the district's record low of 3.1 percent in 2002-2003, down from a high point of 6.57 percent in 1995-1996.

Salem-News.com

(MILWAUKIE, Ore.) - The dropout rate in North Clackamas Schools fell to a new low of 3.2 percent for the 2005-06 academic year, according to data from the Oregon Department of Education. This is down from 3.8 percent in 2004-05

Figures dropped significantly at all three high schools, with Clackamas High now at 1.3 percent, Putnam High at 1.5 percent, and Milwaukie High at 3.9 percent. All three were below the state average of 4.1 percent.

This year's district dropout rate is close to the district's record low of 3.1 percent in 2002-2003, down from a high point of 6.57 percent in 1995-1996.

"Six years ago, our school district set a goal and focused efforts to reduce our dropout rate to 4 percent," explained Matt Utterback, Director of Secondary Support Services. "For the past five years, we have achieved our goal, and we are very pleased that two of our high schools are maintaining dropout rates below two percent."

Utterback explained, "Of all our efforts to keep students in school, increasing the number of charter and alternative high schools seems to be the biggest factor in encouraging students to continue their education. These unique and creative settings help students connect with what they are learning."