Compared to the rate at the beginning of this decade, almost twice as many kids entering the Lower Kuskokwim School District are now successfully graduating.
Kimberly Hankins, the new superintendent, has been with the district for 17 years and has seen a lot of improvements, which she says have combined to increase the number of graduates in the district.
“Which is an achievement we should all, as a community, be proud of,” Hankins said. “Our graduation rate has increased from 37% in 2013 to 59% in 2019.”
Hankins says that LKSD plans to do even more. She also pointed to the district’s achievements in developing the Yugtun immersion program and curriculums.
“For example, we’ve developed the language arts anthologies in Yugtun. Science and social studies texts that are not only in Yugtun, but are localized and culturally relevant, which is critically important in a district like ours,” Hankins said. “We have also developed high school Yuuyaraq personal life skills and health courses, as well as Yup’ik orthography courses. I’m really proud of all of this work.”
Superintendent Kimberly Hankins will be back on Coffee@KYUK on July 24 to discuss how the district plans to open schools and operate during the pandemic.
