Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools January 2014 | Page 6

UCPS recognized for having highest graduation in state among large school systems

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Union County Public Schools was
High School for having 98.6 percent of
recognized recently for having the
its students graduate.
highest graduation rate of the state’s
This is the seventh straight year
largest school districts, an award
that the UCPS graduation rate has
presented by State Superintendent for
improved. In 2007, the system’s
Public Instruction Dr. June Atkinson.
graduation rate was 77.3 percent. This’
UCPS was one of 10 North Carolina
year rate of 90.83 is an increase of
school districts honored by Dr.
13.53 percent.
Atkinson for having the highest fourOn a state level, Atkinson said the
year cohort graduation rates among
state’s graduation rate (82.5 percent)
all districts in the state in 2012-13.
continues to increase, in spite of
She also recognized 46 high schools,
students and teachers transitioning to
four from Union County, for the same
new state standards and assessments
honor.
that have caused many schools to face
UCPS was first in the state for
significant financial challenges.
having the highest graduation rate
“This outstanding accomplishment
for large school systems (those with
is a testament to the high quality
greater than 2,000 students).
teachers and school leaders we are
“Being recognized for having
fortunate to have in our schools,”
State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson, at left,
the highest graduation rate in the
Atkinson said. “I commend principals
recognizes UCPS Union County Early College Principal
state for large school systems and
and teachers in these schools for
Jane Wade for her school having 100 percent
for being among the Top Ten School
their resilience, enthusiasm and their
graduation rate.
Districts regardless of size is quite an
commitment to preparing all students
honor. It is a testament to the hard
for success in the future.”
work of our students, teachers, and
During a recent visit, Atkinson
administrators,” said UCPS Superintendent Dr. Mary Ellis. “However,
addressed teachers system wide with words of encouragement.
the awards do not mean anything to a parent whose child did not
“I want to be among the first to congratulate Union County Public
graduate. We will not rest and our commitment will not waver until
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