Burke County Public Schools' graduation rate increases from 89.2% to 91.1%

Burke County Public Schools (BCPS) saw a higher graduation rate last year and measured exceptional academic growth in 17 of its 24 schools, according to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) annual accountability report released on Sept. 2.

The district’s total graduation rate went from 89.2% in 2025 to 91.1% in 2026. The rate grew among students of nearly every demographic, except for students who are Black or homeless.

“We are encouraged that the graduation rate increased overall for our district and for most student groups, but we are not satisfied when any group of students experiences a decline. Every student matters, regardless of race, gender, economic status, or any other characteristic, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Superintendent Mike Swan.

Swan said the numbers are a reminder of why the district can’t look at this solely through percentages.

“While the numbers vary among groups, our response is the same: one student (who did not graduate) is one too many,” Swan said.

Black students’ graduation rate dropped to 86.8%, which is a three-year low, according to DPI data. The statistics show a decline in the rate from 2023 to 2026.

In 2023, Black students had a graduation rate exceeding 95%. The exact percentage is withheld by DPI. That came after a sharp drop between 2020 and 2022, but has gradually decreased since, falling to 93% in 2024 and 89.7% in 2025.

Public Relations Officer Cheryl Shuffler shared additional data to break the percentages down.

In 2025, four Black students did not graduate out of 39. In 2026, it was five out of 38.

Homeless students have an 85.7% graduation rate. That number has declined from 90% in 2024 and 86.7% in 2025.

Two out of 13 homeless students did not graduate in 2025. In 2026, two out of 14 did not graduate.

Shuffler shared that, overall, 89 students across every demographic did not graduate in 2026. The year before, 113 students did not graduate.

“Graduation continues to be a point of emphasis in our schools,” said Dr. Dillon Sain, director of student services. “The goal is not simply to improve a number or percentage. The goal is to ensure that every student has the support, relationships, and opportunities needed to cross the graduation stage.”

Sain said the district will continue examining data to identify where students are facing barriers, as well as work with schools and families to provide support.

“We celebrate our overall graduation rate increase, but we also recognize where we have work to do, and we will continue doing that work because every student counts,” Sain said.

ACADEMIC GROWTH

Every school in the district met or exceeded academic growth except for East Burke High School.

Academic growth indicates progress students made in one year versus the previous. The standard is “roughly equivalent to a year’s worth of expected growth for a year of instruction,” according to DPI.

Swan said these results reflect “what happens when an entire school community is all-in on our students.”

“Our students worked hard, embraced challenges, and demonstrated a growth mindset. Our teachers and school leaders stayed focused on what matters most, which is teaching and learning, and our schools have been intentional about using balanced instruction, providing time for remediation and support, and putting the right strategies in place to help every student grow,” Swan said.

Swan said these results are not the effort of one program or one person. They are the result of great teachers, strong leadership, hardworking students, and a community that supports its schools.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to the parents, families, and community members who partner with us every day. People working together, believing in our students, and helping them reach their potential is what being all-in looks like. We celebrate this success today, and are back at work in a new school year challenging ourselves for tomorrow.”