Sampson County and Clinton City schools saw no increase in student dropout rates during 2007-08, a fact that pleased educators even though they were adamant that they would not be satisfied until there were fewer and fewer students leaving school.

State reports show Sampson County Schools droput rate remained unchaged at 151 students, while Clinton City Schools registered a decrease in its rate, from 73 in 2006-07 to 53 in 2007-08.

“We have always tried to improve our dropout rates,” said Dr. Gene Hales, superintendent for Clinton City Schools. “Our overall goal is not to have any dropouts at all, but we are very happy to have a decrease.”

For Sampson County Schools, the percentage rate of dropouts from 2006-07 to 2007-08 stayed exactly the same at 6.04 percent.

“It may have been a bit less, because of the number of students we had, but we stayed the same,” said Dr. Ethan Lenker, superintendent of Sampson County Schools. “We have a lot of work to do because our ultimate goal is to have the kids staying in school.”

Statewide, the news was nearly the same.

North Carolina high schools reported that 4.97 per cent of students dropped out of school during the 2007-08 academic year, according to the 2007-08 Dropout Report presented to the state Board of Education. This means that 1,116 fewer students across North Carolina decided to drop out in 2007-08 than in the previous year.

Overall, 22,434 of the approximately 450,000 North Carolina high school students dropped out of school in 2007-08. It marked the first decrease in the state’s rate since 2004-05.

Locally, educators are pleased with the results.

“We look more at the graduation rates, not the dropouts, and that is because we have had some kids that will drop out two and three times,” said Lenker. “So we use the analysis from the graduation rates.”

Lenker’s point is that, because of state rules, both systems are penalized if a student quits or transfers out of the school to pursue a G.E.D., or applies to a community college to continue their education.

“According to the state, those individual students are considered dropouts,” said Hales. “That is the way it is set up.”

In fact, figures prove that 17 of the 53 students who dropped out in the Clinton City Schools system left school to attend community college and continue their education.

“That would have bought us even lower,” said Hales. “Those students are still counted as dropouts, even if they are transfers or if they applied at college ...”

Lenker said the issue is the same in Sampson County Schools.

“It happens; the kids could go get their G.E.D. but it is not the same as a diploma,” said Lenker. “No matter what the issue, our job is to try and keep the kids in school.”

Both superintendents say they are trying to implement programs to help prevent dropouts in their school system.

“We are trying to develop the teacher/student relationship better,” said Lenker. “That does not start in high school, that starts very early on. So, we are looking at the middle schools and trying to form those bonds early.”

Hales said that programs inside the system have helped quell dropouts. “Last year, we implemented the Ninth Grade Academy,” he said. “And we have been working with the students that have dropped out in the first semester. What we have been able to do is to get them to come back the second semester and start again with all new classes — it is sort of like a fresh start. We are also using our afterschool programs to help with our dropout prevention and working to get more parental involvement, working with the families.”

“We are glad that the rate did not increase,” said Col. Tommy Macon, director of secondary education for Sampson County Schools (High School Division). “However, at the same time, there is much work to be done to make sure our students stay in school. We are trying to continuously implement programs to help keep students on the right track and be successful in their education ... our goal is to have everyone graduate.”

Macon said there is a plan in place to prevent dropouts in Sampson County Schools.

“First, we are working on a transitions program from the eighth grade to ninth grade to help students be successful as they enter into high school,” he said. “We currently have a conflict resolution program for all ninth graders. This program helps students deal with social conflicts they are dealt with on a daily basis. This will allow them to stay in school as opposed to being suspended. We are also working on classroom programs to keep students engaged in learning that deal with technology. Technology is a big part of the lives of our students. Therefore, we need to use these tools to keep students engaged in the learning process.”

One program that the county system is eyeing is AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a college-preparatory program designed to aid economically disadvantaged, and academically average first-generation students of both elementary and high schools into college. Originating at the high school level, the program now serves fourth grade through 12th grade students (roughly, ages 10-18).

“What it boils down to, is it builds up the teacher/student relationship and helps the student see the ‘bigger’ picture,” said Lenker. “I think that it is a good program.”

However, the program costs money and will have to be approved by county board members, as well as the Board of Education, before it could even be considered for the system.

To access the complete report with district and school numbers, go to the NCDPI website at www.ncpublicschools.org.

To reach Doug Clark call (910) 592-8137 ext. 139 or send email to sisports@intrstar.net.