Federal Department of Education Ranks Brevard Public Schools Top 10 In State of Florida
By Space Coast Daily // December 16, 2016
ABOVE VIDEO: Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Desmond Blackburn at halftime of the Cocoa vs. Bolles 4A State Championship in Orlando.
BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – The Florida Department of Education released the 2015-16 graduation rates, ranking BPS within the top 10 in the state of Florida.
“Brevard Public Schools provides many essential services to this community, with a focus to ensure that all of our students earn a high school diploma. For three consecutive years, we have seen an increase in our graduation rate going from last year’s rate of 86.2% to 87.5% this year. This makes our 15-16 graduation rate the highest it’s been in five years,” states superintendent of schools, Dr. Desmond Blackburn.
“While it’s called a high school graduation rate, an accomplishment of this level cannot be achieved without the dedication of every educator at every grade level. This is a systemic success factor and I’m just honored to be a part of this team.”
Florida’s high school graduation rate has risen, according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education.
For 2015-16, Florida’s statewide graduation rate climbed to 80.7 percent, an increase of 21.5 percentage points since 2003-04 and 2.8 percentage points over last year. BPS still remains well above the state average.
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said, “Today’s news is cause for celebration! I am proud of Florida’s students for their outstanding achievement, even as the bar has been steadily raised. These results are a testament to their hard work and the benefit of Florida’s accountability system, which hinges on transparency and rewards progress every step of the way.”