Only 40.8% of Baltimore City Schools Ninth Graders on Track to Graduate

Baltimore City Schools is facing significant challenges as new data indicates that only 40.8% of ninth graders from the previous year are on track to graduate in four years. This statistic reflects a concerning trend, as nearly 60% of these students are not on target to complete their high school education on time.

The findings were reported by Project Baltimore, which analyzed the latest statistics from the school district. This marks a notable decline from the 2021-2022 school year, when approximately 56.5% of ninth graders were projected to graduate on time, already the lowest rate in the state.

Despite an increased budget of $1.7 billion funded entirely by taxpayers, Baltimore City Schools has seen a decrease in enrollment, with nearly 9,000 fewer students since 2014. This situation has led to a paradox where the district receives more funding to educate a shrinking student body.

To assess whether students are on track for graduation, the Maryland State Department of Education evaluates various factors, including earned credits and performance in core subjects. Recent adjustments in state standards have placed greater emphasis on student attendance, which Dr. Sonja Santelises, the CEO of Baltimore City Schools, noted has contributed to the drop in on-track graduation rates.

“The state raised the standard for what was considered on track, and that shift had an impact on us,” Dr. Santelises stated.

While Baltimore City Schools struggles, neighboring jurisdictions have seen improvements. For instance, Baltimore County reported an increase in the percentage of ninth graders on track to graduate, rising from 78% to 85.3% over the past two years.

Attendance remains a critical issue in the city’s schools, with the overall attendance rate dropping from 88% in 2016 to 83%, the lowest in Maryland. Dr. Santelises emphasized the importance of attendance in her administration's strategies to re-engage students and improve outcomes.

As Dr. Santelises approaches the end of her contract on June 30, negotiations regarding her future with the school system remain ongoing. She expressed a desire to continue her work, reassuring parents and taxpayers that discussions are active and aimed at reaching a resolution.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).