Gov. Nixon visits Maryville R-II to talk about improving graduation rates across the state

Gov. Nixon visits Maryville R-II. Photo courtsey @GovJayNixon

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Maryville R-II school district got a special visit from Gov. Jay Nixon Wednesday to congratulate the district and schools across the state for improving graduation rates.

According to new data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National center for Education Statistics, Missouri’s high school graduation rate has increased 5 percentage points since the 2010-11 school year, the fifth largest increase in the nation.

“Strong schools create strong communities, and that’s why here in Missouri we’ve worked across the aisle to support and improve public education,” said Gov. Nixon. “This new data shows that thanks to outstanding efforts of schools like Maryville High, Missouri is a national leader in making sure more students stay in school and on track to success.”

Maryville’s high school graduation rate has increased 2 points, from 94 percent to 95 percent, since 2011. The Governor also applauded the school district for its high scores on more rigorous state standards. Maryville R-II scored a 95.7 percent on the 2014 Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) Annual Performance Report (APR), increasing from a score of 92.9 in 2013.

“Here in Maryville, we pride ourselves on providing a quality education that prepares students for rewarding careers and fulfilling lives,” said Superintendent Larry Linthacum. “Our consistently high graduation rate is just one example of our commitment to excellence at all levels. On behalf of the teachers, administrators and students here at Maryville R-II, we thank Governor Nixon for his strong support of schools like ours, and look forward to continuing to help our students reach even greater heights.”

According to the report, Missouri’s high school graduation rate increased from 81 percent in 2010-11 to 86 percent in 2012-13, the most recent year for which data is available. Only Nevada, Alabama, Utah, and New Mexico had larger increases in graduation rates over that time period. In 2012-2013, Missouri was tied for the 11th highest graduation rate.

The most recent Missouri High School Graduates Performance Report shows that Missouri public high school graduates who entered college in the fall of 2014 had the lowest rates of having to enroll in remedial math and English courses in the past five years.