High School Dropout Rate Dips to 2.9%

The dropout rate at the Oxnard Union High School district decreased to 2.9% for the 1995-96 school year, according to numbers reported to the California Department of Education. That figure represents a 1.14% decline from the previous year.

The district’s figures have hovered between 2.3% and 4.04% this decade.

Administrators say they are pleased with the numbers and attribute their success to factors such as the presence of more full-time counselors and a psychologist at each campus, expanded summer-school opportunities allowing students to make up failed classes, and an aggressive plan to place students inalternative educational programs when appropriate.

“We feel very encouraged,” said Assistant Supt. Gary Davis. “But even with the low dropout [number], which was 377 students, we feel very concerned about the 377 students. They are still students who left.”