Marlin High School graduation delayed but not denied
Fox News Channel recently invited Dr. Darryl Henson, Marlin ISD Superintendent of Schools, for an interview on its Cross Country with Lawrence Jones Show in New York City, which was aired Prime Time Broadcast.
Jones launched the show with graduation statistics in Baltimore describing the below 50 percent graduation rate as bleak. He added that 10 city high school graduation rates were below 50 percent and 58 percent of the graduation rates were due to chronic absenteeism questioning “Who is helping America’s Struggling Students?”
Dr. Henson noted that according to the Texas Education Agency graduation criteria, five of 33 Marlin ISD seniors met the requirements. This was discovered during the Superintendent audits as part of the district’s strategic plan.
He also shared there were mixed reviews on the graduation postponement which was used to push accountability.
According to Henson, “at the beginning of the school year, every high school student not only received class schedules but also, especially for seniors, graduation plans that outlined requirements. Opportunities were allowed to meet with counselors and leaders.”
Some parents felt they were blind-sided in that the academic program showed students on track.
Henson stated, “on-track does not mean completion.” He added that emotions of parents are a minority and the majority have thanked the district for the decision to postponed graduation to allow students to use resources and support to make “potential into performance.”
Dr. Henson proudly reminded the commentator that due to the parents, community, and clarity, Marlin ISD achieved the highest academic growth in the State of Texas with a rating of 86 (B+). When asked the role attendance played in the postponement, Henson shared the 90 percent Texas rule. Students are required to be present to get the lesson and participate in various activities.
Dr. Henson announced that 33 seniors will be able to graduate as outlined by TEA and that the postponement was not a case of the students unable to graduate but to make up for lost time.
According to Dr. Henson, “It was about “Standards, a rule is a rule. The district is not only committed to education, but I demand excellence and you can’t celebrate before you complete.”
GRADUATION DATE SET
The majority of Marlin High School seniors are now set to graduate on June 22 after the school postponed graduation ceremonies last week because only five of 38 seniors were eligible for graduation.
Marlin ISD held a meeting for seniors and parents on Tuesday where they obtained a copy of their transcript and a paper with their graduation status on it.
The deadline to meet graduation requirements is at 2:30 p.m. June 22. Graduation will be held the same day at 5 p.m. in the Marlin High School auditorium.