BCS Advantage Magazine Special Edition #1 | Page 14

THE GRADUATION INITIATIVE
The Graduation Initiative began in 2006 as a partnership between Buncombe County Schools,
Buncombe County Commissioners, and Eblen Charities. The Graduation Initiative is committed
to examining the systemic, long-term changes in schools (K-12) that must occur to improve
graduation rates. The Initiative uses data to identify areas for change and works with school
leaders and staff to build capacity within schools and in the district to create this change.
Among the primary areas of focus are improving attendance, helping students access credits through
non-traditional means (Twilight School & Mini-mester), and supporting students at key transitions: elementary
to middle school, and again from middle school to high school.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS
4-YEAR COHORT GRADUATION RATE
DROP OUT NUMBERS
2009-10 73.1%
2009-10 355
2010-11 77.9%
2010-11 292
2011-12 80.0%
2011-12 257
2012-13 80.3%
2012-13 229
2013-14 83.2%
2013-14 225
2014-15 85.2%
2014-15 188
2015-16 85.7%
Programs • Services
Academics • Athletics • Arts
4-YEAR COHORT
Human %
Reso IN
urces • Budget
GRADUATION
RATE
s

since 2006-07
Global Education • Digital Learning
S.T.E.M. • Transportation • Nutrition
Graduation • Purpose & Direction
0
20
 14.2
12
40
60
80
100
0
100
57
%
200
300
400
IN DROPOUT RATES
since the Graduation Initiative
began in 2006-07 through 2014-15
BuncombeSchools.org