Education Dept. Reports Record Statewide Gains

SALEM: Oregon’s public schools are making historic strides in student progress, according to the Oregon Department of Education’s newly released 2024–25 At-A-Glance School and District Profiles. The annual data, published last Friday along with updates to the state’s Online Report Card, include the highest percentage of ninth graders on track to graduate in state history, continued improvements in attendance, and modest gains in state test scores.

But the statewide progress tells only part of the story. In Lane County, the McKenzie and Springfield school districts reflect two very different realities – one a small, rural district grappling with limited resources, the other a large urban system posting steady academic improvements while struggling with attendance.

The new At-A-Glance profiles were designed to provide snapshots of every Oregon school and district using measures including attendance, academic proficiency, ninth-grade progress, on-time graduation and five-year completion.

Statewide, the ODE reported record-high ninth-grade on-track rates, including gains among historically underserved student groups.

2024 was the second consecutive year of rising attendance (at its strongest since the pandemic) though still not at pre-2020 levels.

Test scores also improved, including a one-point increase in third-grade English language arts and a 2.1-point gain in eighth-grade math.

Governor Tina Kotek praised educators for the progress, saying Oregon is “building toward a future where every student realizes their promise.” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams called the data “both a milestone and a roadmap for ongoing improvement.”

While the state celebrates historic gains, the McKenzie School District – which serves about 180 students from a K–12 campus in Finn Rock – faces unique obstacles due to its size, rural setting and high levels of student poverty.

Key indicators for McKenzie included an on-time graduation rate of 70% for the Class of 2024, with three students dropping out.

The district has about 180 students with a 24% minority enrollment. Overall, roughly 45% of McKenzie’s students are classified as experiencing poverty.

The district has small class sizes and a low 12:1 student-teacher ratio, but has limited program offerings compared to larger districts.

While the district’s 86% ninth-grade on-track rate aligns more closely with statewide improvements, its on-time graduation rate lags behind the state average.

Just 40 miles away, the Springfield School District is one of the region’s largest and had a 74.2% on-time graduation for the Class of 2024.

Key Springfield outcomes in the report included third-grade English Language Arts rankings that were up 7%, and eighth-grade math up 4%.

More than 51% graduated on time — a 15-point improvement.However, Springfield’s regular attendance rate dipped to 60%, running counter to statewide improvements. District leaders say attendance remains the biggest barrier to further graduation gains.

The report reveal contrasts between rural and urban educational environments.

McKenzie shows strong early indicators like ninth-grade on-track rates but lags in graduation due to persistent socioeconomic and capacity challenges.

Springfield is trending upward academically, especially in graduation rates and proficiency, but must contend with chronic absenteeism.

The full 2024–25 At-A-Glance profiles and updated Online Report Card are available through the Oregon Department of Education at: tinyurl.com/bdfvppte