ORANGE --
Dr. Reza Namin, superintendent of the Ralph C.
Mahar Regional School District, announced that
the Mahar Regional School District has been
highlighted by the state for its success in
reducing the dropout rate for four consecutive
years.
Reports show that locally, most districts saw
their dropout rates rise slightly, but many
managed to reduce their rates despite the
statewide trend. North Central Charter Essential
School, for instance, saw its dropout rate go
from four percent to 1.4 percent; and the Ralph
C. Mahar Regional School District, which serves
Orange, Petersham, New Salem and Wendell, saw
its dropout rate fall for the fourth straight
year."
Statewide, most juniors and seniors who
dropped out of high school last year had passed
the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment
System test, which is required for graduation.
Most of the dropouts (51 percent) were white,
but in terms of ethnic groups, the dropout rate
was highest among Hispanic students, 9.1 percent
of whom left high school. Almost 40 percent of
the students who dropped out were from
low-income families. 22.3
percent of high school dropouts statewide in
2006-7 were students with disabilities.
Over the past eight years, the Mahar drop-out
percentages were: 1999-00, 5.9 percent; 2000-01,
5.6; '01-02, 4.5; '02-03, 7.1; '03-04, 6.2;
'04-05, 5.8; '05-06, 4.3; and the total dropout
is 2.4 % for 2006-2007.
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2006-2007
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2005-2006
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2004-2005
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2003-2004
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2002-2003
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2001-2002
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2000-2001
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1999-2000
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2.4
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4.3
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5.8
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6.2
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7.1
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4.5
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5.6
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5.9
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There are several areas of comparisons
between Mahar and statewide. First language not
English: Mahar, 1.8 percent; statewide 15.1.
Limited English proficient: Mahar 0.4, statewide
5.8. Low income: Mahar 40.2; statewide 29.5.
Special education: Mahar 20.8; statewide 16.9.
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Selected Populations (2007-08)
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Title
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% of District
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% of State
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First Language not English
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1.8
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15.1
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Limited English Proficient
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0.4
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5.8
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Low-income
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40.2
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29.5
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Special Education
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20.8
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16.9
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"Having success in reducing the dropout in
the past four years is attributed to the change
of the climate and culture at Mahar.," said Dr.
Namin. "We have been improving the dropout rate
while Mahar has a 40.2 Low-income and 20.8
percent Special Education Population and
maintaining zero percent increase in the last
year's budget. A culture that values our
strategic planning with a vision to put a face
to each data, making a personal contact to every
student who is thinking of, or has given up,
proving a personalized programming and
environment such as the Integrated Learning,
Alternative PM and AM Education and the
initiative such as partnership with the Gateway
for Success with Mt. Wachusett Community
College, Community Collaborative, Coalition for
Teens, North Quabbin Coalition, Quabbin
Mediation, Active Bystander Program, 'Guiding
Good Choices' program and the Diversion Program
through Northwestern District Attorney's office.
We are also very fortunate to have the support
of the Mahar School Committee, parents and the
Orange Police Department. Our success is also a
reflection of the hard work by all of our
faculty and staff who continue to provide the
best education in and outside the classroom.
Back to Mahar Website
Dr. Reza Namin
Superintendent of Regional School District
P. O. Box 680
South Main Street
Orange MA 01364
Superintendent's Office (978) 544-2920
E-Mail:
Dr_Namin@rcmahar.org
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School District
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