BISD News

BHS graduation rate sees 21.6 percent rise in recent years

In 1996 Bastrop High School had one of the lowest graduation rates in Central Texas. Ten years later, BHS is boasting one of the highest percent increases around the area.

In a recent national study called the Diplomas Count study, produced by Education Week’s Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, Bastrop was noted as having a 21.6 percent increase in graduation rate from 1996 to 2006. In 1996, Bastrop only fared a 50.9 percent graduation rate.

“The statistics for Bastrop ISD shows that everyone is dedicated to getting our students focused on receiving their diplomas and thinking about some type of post-secondary education,” said Superintendent Roderick Emanuel.

In 2006, Bastrop caught up to surrounding districts posting a 72.5 percent graduation rate. In a recent article about the study done by the Austin American Statesman, Bastrop ranked third in percentage point changes from 1996 to 2006. Only Liberty Hill and San Marcos came in ahead of Bastrop with increases of 30.1 percent and 25.3 percent respectively.

In 1996, Bastrop ISD had the second lowest graduation rate amongst the Central Texas schools compared to only San Marcos posting lower with a 48.5 percent rate.

“Bastrop ISD has revamped its focus on encouraging students to not only graduate, but to also attend some type of post-secondary education,” Emanuel stated. “In recent years, we’ve added the Communities in Schools program, hired a P-16 Coordinator, installed Career Centers at all middle schools and increased awareness of the opportunities available for our students after graduation.”