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The school year is entering its final few weeks, and the data for last year’s graduation rates have just been released by the state.  There are dozens of reasons for the class of 2025 grad rates increasing, depending on who you ask;  but districts are celebrating these measurements of education success however it comes.

The state Department of Education attributed gains in grad rates to meals being provided to all students, expanded access to mental health support and even improved teacher pay scales.

North Branch School Board last week heard extensive information from the superintendent about  the local grad rate.  The graduation rate for the 161 seniors who walked commencement on time last year was 93 percent.  North Branch’s grad numbers for the comparable group of students, in prior years, was in the 88 percentile.

Supt. Paul stated North Branch values all its students and makes a focused effort on providing positive experiences through customizable learning models and structure.  Keeping students on track academically is a priority and North Branch is always looking for what works for each student.  If this calls for social or cultural support along with school options, there is enthusiasm for this too.

Statistics are also required by the state to be kept on students who take longer than four years to get through high school, and for the students who are enrolled in distance learning and the alternative learning center.  The “unique needs and circumstances” of these programs are being addressed to combine for impact on the district's success.  There were 18 seniors in the distance learning program and 12 graduated on time, which is actually a noteworthy number relatively speaking.  The Area Learning Center had 20 seniors and nine graduated.

The state rate is 84 percent.  The Chisago Lakes high school 2025 grad rate was 93.7 and has been for a few years. Rush City was at 91.9 percent. Cambridge-Isanti was 85.2 percent and Forest Lake high school posted an 84.9 percent grad rate in 2025.

Supt. Paul also applauded staff who gave of their time to participate in a grocery bagging fundraiser Saturday April 4. The store pays the bagging hours as a charitable donation, in this case to the district scholarship fund, raising $1,900 for this.

Until April 24 there is a local food drive underway at the Norse Learning Center/Brooker Building, the high school and the Area Education Center on Grand Avenue next to the Kwik Trip.  Donations of non-perishable goods or money can be left at these locations and they’ll be delivered to the food shelf.

The bus drivers also held a food drive and collected thousands of pounds throughout the 4.0 transportation services company bus garages.  North Branch’s collection was  impressive, the school board heard.  

In a related matter 4.0 School Services was awarded a contract renewal until 2032.  This private firm has run North Branch’s busing program for eight years.  Staff reported two companies submitted proposals and 4.0 was recommended.

If you are a fan of musicals, the high school is putting on Mama Mia in May.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. May 7,8 and 9 and 2 p.m. May 10. Get tickets online at Go Fan or see the district website.

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