We are #1 in Graduation Rate Again!

Yes, I am a bit proud of my school system and its recent achievement for having the highest high school graduation rates of districts its size in the nation. It all starts in kindergarten too!

MCPS IS #1 IN GRADUATION RATE
To my colleagues, Today, Education Week released its annual “Diplomas Count” report and I am thrilled that, once again, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has the highest graduation rate among the nation’s 50 largest school districts. This is the third year in a row that MCPS has been at the top of this list and in this year’s report, the MCPS graduation rate increased to 85.7 percent. While I am excited and proud of these results, I am not surprised. Montgomery County Public Schools has the best staff in the nation, bar none, and this report provides further proof of that fact. Even as we have had to make difficult budget cuts and have asked you to take on more responsibility, you have responded with professionalism and excellence. The results speak for themselves. As I prepare to retire in a few weeks, I want to thank you for the extraordinary work you do each and every day. For the past 12 years, we have been through a tremendous amount together. We went through the tragedy of 9/11 and the horror of the sniper shootings. We have experienced dramatic shifts in our student population and are still weathering the impact of the Great Recession. We have celebrated numerous victories and endured a few defeats. But through all of that, we have remained focused on the needs of our students. And, as a result, our students are better prepared for college and the workplace than students in any other large school district in the country. More students are succeeding in Advanced Placement classes, on the SAT, and on numerous other measures. Most importantly, we have demonstrated for the world that every child can succeed if you build a culture of high expectations. Today's “Diplomas Count” report is simply the latest testament to your hard work. Over the past several months, I have been honored to receive several awards and I have heard many kind words about my tenure at MCPS. While I am grateful for the recognition, I make it clear wherever I go that I have been the manager of the greatest team in America and that the success attributed to me and to our school system has been the result of your effort, your dedication to excellence, and your commitment. It has been an incredible honor to be a part of this school district for the past 12 years. Over my 42 years in education, I have made stops in many different locations--Kansas, South Dakota, Montana, North Carolina--but Montgomery County will always feel like home to me. I wish you and your families a safe and relaxing summer and much success in the future. Respectfully, Jerry D. Weast, Ed. D Superintendent of Schools
	See the full list The graduation rate published in Diplomas Count 2011is calculated using 2008 data, the most recent available through the federal Common Core of Data. The report calculates the graduation rate using the Cumulative Promotion Index. For more information on the calculation, go to http://www.edweek.org/go/dc11.