Stockton Unified School District kicked off the 2026-2027 school year on July 30 with some serious momentum. As roughly 34,000 students returned to classrooms, the district announced a record 91% graduation rate, the highest in its history. That’s a significant jump from 81.9% in the 2022-2023 school year, and it signals positive change for the community.
Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez credits the improvement to focused resources and a push on student attendance. Early literacy rates have also climbed each year since she took the helm in July 2023.“The theme this year is better things are yet to come,”Rodriguez said. Dr. Sondra Knudsen, principal of Spanos Elementary, added that even administrators feel the first-day butterflies, a reminder that everyone in the district is invested in the success of these students.
For Stockton families and the broader Sacramento region, this story matters. Stronger graduation rates mean a more prepared workforce and a healthier local economy. It’s a win for the entire area. What do you think is the key to keeping this momentum going?
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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
