The decision to drop out drains promise from a student’s future.  On the average, high school graduates earn significantly more than high school dropouts.

In July 2008, RPE hosted a discussion group with a wide variety of local agencies that deal with students.  This “Help Youth Stay In School” group will work together to create strategies that will help decrease the dropout rate.

The Decrease Dropout Rate committee began a new program in October 2009 with kindergarten teachers at Koontz Elementary School.  Through studies we have learned that if a student is not reading at grade level by the 3rd grade they are more likely to drop out of school than a student who is reading at grade level.  Volunteers have been trained by staff from the Rowan-Salisbury School System and background checks have been completed.  Our goal was to have each of the six kindergarten classes to have two volunteers.  Our volunteers will work closely with the low performing students under the direction of each teacher and to stay with these students until they reach the third grade or are at the appropriate reading level. 

Are you interested in being a part of this program?  Contact RPE at 704.642.0700.