Enrollment, graduation numbers on the rise in St. Vrain Valley

Superintendent Don Haddad started the first school board meeting of 2022 with a report full of accomplishments and promise for the future.

Haddad led off his report with recognition of the completion of the majority of the 2016 bond district improvement projects, notably the recently opened Aquatic Center attached to Silver Creek High School and additional parking at Erie High School.

Haddad commented on the increased enrollment rates after the district’s October count, with several hundred students joining the district since then. Looking at the rising populations and developments throughout the district, Haddad said the district would add staffing and support to accommodate new students in the coming years. 

“In my mind’s eye, the more students, the more exciting it is, so that’s the good news,” Haddad said.

Graduation requirements are at an all-time high with 91.6% of students earning their diplomas from the eight traditional high schools, he said. Haddad also highlighted that 86% of Hispanic students graduate, up 55% several years ago. The rate of students dropping out of school in the district is down to 0.7%, he added.

“It’s pretty exciting to think that over 99% of our students will complete school,” Haddad said.

Programs like Achievement Acceleration Academy tutoring and the upcoming return of Project Launch in June are contributing factors in giving students the confidence to complete school as their efforts reflect in the gradual rise in grades, Haddad said.

Haddad said the district is looking to create a mobile cybersecurity lab out of a converted school bus. The lab will be student-designed, joining the Mobile Innovation Lab and a third mobile lab focused on artificial intelligence. Haddad did not give a timeline for the completion of these projects. 

Correction: Corrected SVVSD graduation rates from 90.6% to 91.6%, per clarification SVVSD Communications Director Kerri McDermid