ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota public high schools are graduating fewer students by a fraction of a percentage point. The state Education Department reported. In 2021 the graduation rate fell by 0.5% to 83.3%. The agency attributed the drop to a jump in the statewide dropout rate. Also, said state education commissioner Heather Miller, the CoVid pandemic complicated the life path of many young people. Miller used the new data to argue that schools need more legislative funding than ever. She said that Governor Tim Walz’ proposed budget will help improve graduation rates by investing in targeted programs, additional support personnel, and increasing the state’s general education formula by 2%.
Verbatim
Miller: “The class of 2021 faced incredibly difficult circumstances in their final years of high school. I am extremely proud of our 2021 graduates and the educators, leaders, staff and families who helped them make it to graduation. The slight decrease in our graduation rate reinforces how challenging the pandemic has been on our students. We remain committed to ensuring every single Minnesota student graduates from high school, whether that is in four years, five years, six years or more.”
2021 grad rates
Lewiston: 95%
LaCrescent-Hokah: 95%
Caledonia: 95%
St. Charles: 94%
Stewartville: 95%
Houston: 90%
Rushford: 90%
Chatfield: 90%
Wabasha-Kellogg: 90%
Harmony: 90%
Winona: 87%
Rochester: 86%
Statewide: 83%
Miller. Walz appointee as education commissioner. Taught social studies in Mankato. Holds doctorate in education leadership from Saint Mary’s University. Also master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Also has specialist and K-12 administrative license.