CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County Schools hit a 97% graduation rate across its seven traditional high schools last year — a milestone the district’s superintendent says deserves recognition.
“It’s a big, big accomplishment, one that should be celebrated,” Superintendent David Broskie said.
The district-wide rate for all Clay County Schools, including non-traditional campuses, reached 95%.
How the district got there
Clay High School matched the district’s 97% rate. Principal Jennifer Halter said the achievement came down to communication and consistency.
“It really takes all of our teachers, all of our support staff, everyone,” Halter said. “But the main system is communicating with our students, talking about goals, making sure they’re staying on track, and showing up to class.”
Broskie said staff commitment played a central role in pushing students across the finish line.
“There are students that all of the adults are rooting for them, they’re working so hard at bringing this person across the stage,” Broskie said. “And it’s not until after they graduate do they realize that it really was the adults that carried them across the line, and then they’re thankful.”
Student programs help shape futures
Clay High senior Audri credits hands-on programs with helping her find direction. She participated in the VyStar internship program and the culinary program.
“I’ve kind of discovered what I like, what I don’t like, but also picked up a lot of good skills — people skills, customer service skills, and stuff like that,” Audri said.
After graduation, she plans to attend college in Kentucky and pursue a nursing track.
District aims higher
The 97% rate may be a high bar, but the district is not done climbing. Audri said she believes her senior class could beat it.
“I think we might. I’m not sure. I hope we do,” she said.
Halter said her personal goal has always been higher.
“My personal goal is always 100%. That’s why I’m in this job,” Halter said. “We just continue to close gaps for kids and make sure that every opportunity is placed in front of them, that there is no reason why they can’t get a high school diploma.”