Prince George, B.C. – School District 57 Superintendent Brian Pepper’s annual report on student achievement includes a mixture of positives and challenges.

Released at last night’s Board meeting it revealed foundation skills assessments for grade 4 (reading) and grade 7   (reading, writing and numeracy) students are both improving.

It also showed the number of students receiving Evergreen certificates (aboriginal 9%, non-aboriginal 2%) is declining while more students are remaining in the Dogwood graduation program.

And perhaps most noteworthy is the upward trend for district six-year completion rates (81% for non-aboriginal students in 2013/2014, 48.8% for aboriginal but below the provincial average).

However not all trustees were pleased with the non-aboriginal graduation rates.

“I find it unacceptable less than half our aboriginal students aren’t graduating,” said trustee Tim Bennett.

Pepper agreed noting “until it says 100% for both categories our work is not done.”

Trustee Bob Harris was also concerned the district is below the provincial rate for grade-to-grade transitions grade 11 to higher (79% vs the provincial average of 88%).

“Is there a mechanism to figure out why? Especially for aboriginal students (71%).”

Pepper responded by saying the district takes a student centred approach to the issue.

“Some principals have exit interviews (with students) to find out why. In our aboriginal department we’re looking at connecting aboriginal students to staff who can push them to stay. Nothing blanket – student centred.”

Bennett said he was also alarmed at the 17% graduation rate for youth in care (provincial numbers were not provided).

The report noted the district has approximately 200 continuing custody order students (CCO).

CCO meaning that the Director of Child Welfare is the sole guardian of a child.

In school, principals have been assigned the responsibility of caring for these children.