Here are the responses from Harlem Rep. Adriano Espaillat and others who are applauding the record high graduation rate:
“Championing the needs of our students today, prepares them for a stronger future,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
“I commend Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza on the rise in graduation rates at four-year high schools across all five boroughs. Today’s announcement further highlights New York City’s ambitious education plan and the invaluable commitment to our students and their families – regardless of economic status, background, race, or neighborhood.”
“More students across all ethnicities are completing high school and that is good news. Completing high school is fundamental to young adults’ future success in life and this increase means that more of them will be able to go on to college, earn graduate degrees and pursue careers in the field of their choice. I applaud and congratulate Mayor de Blasio for this important effort and I look forward to continuing working with him to ensure 100% of New York students earn a high school diploma,” said Rep. Jose Serrano.
“A quality education is the key to unlocking opportunity for young people and working families. I’m pleased by the progress we’ve made in helping more New Yorkers graduate from High School and proceed on to college. At the same time, more must be done at all levels of government to help young people secure an education pursue their dreams. I’ll continue fighting in Washington for additional resources to help our public school systems thrive and our young people succeed,” said Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
“I want to thank and applaud Chancellor Richard Carranza and Mayor Bill DeBlasio for their dedication towards our students. Under their leadership, we are seeing record highs in graduation rates, and significantly lower dropout rates. I look forward to the continued success of our school system, and I am confident our kids will continue to achieve greatness,” said Senator Jamaal Bailey.
“Achieving all-time high graduation rates and all-time low dropout rates in our high schools across every borough is outstanding, but accomplishing this across every ethnicity is exemplary. We must congratulate our students and their families and thank our city’s teachers for their commitment and hard work,” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud.
“Nothing matters more for our children than a solid education and good health. I am so pleased that New York City high school students are graduating at a new record high rate this year. A high school diploma opens doors and provides the keys to better jobs and opportunities. That’s something everyone should have,” said Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix W. Ortiz.
“I am pleased to learn that New York City students set a record high in graduation rates and a record low in dropout rates. Students, teachers, and families deserve great credit for these achievements. While graduation rates for Black and Latinx students lag behind city averages, a lot of progress has been made and I am hopeful that we will continue to make improvements in the future,” said Assembly Member Michael DenDekker.
“Better graduation rates mean more young New Yorkers who can take their rightful place as informed citizens, with economically successful families and aware, sustainable communities. Having served many challenging years as Chair of the NYS Assembly Education Committee as well as being a parent of a recent NYC high school graduate I feel a great sense of pride and hope in our young adults who have accomplished do much. Congratulations to all!” said Assembly Member Cathy Nolan.
“As a member of the NYS Assembly’s Education Committee and a PTA activist, I commend Mayor de Blasio and the DOE on the record high graduation rate in NYC. High school graduation is beneficial to all families. An educated society is a measure of a society as well as one of its greatest achievements,” said Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.
“The value of education can never be understated,” said Assembly Member Daniel Rosenthal. “By investing in our students, the City and State affirm their commitment to ensuring that the future of New York is bright. We celebrate the coordination between government, families and most of all the hard work of our teachers for this great success.”
“These record-high graduation rates are proof that when the hard work and determination of New York City’s students, families and educators is coupled with increased access to opportunities and resources, increased academic achievement is possible. Now we must use this encouraging progress to actuate more policy and budget initiatives so we can keep breaking records and ensure all of our city’s students are provided with the quality education they need to pursue their dreams,” said Council Member Mark Treyger.
“I am beyond thrilled that more than ever before our New York City students, from all backgrounds, are receiving a high school diploma and pursuing a college option. We have been working for years to address the various factors that effect a student’s long-term educational success, and with a record number of students graduating from high school now- the work has certainly paid off! Thank you to Mayor de Blasio, the NYC Department of Education, and to all the fabulous teachers and families that have made this historic success possible,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.
“The improved high school graduation and dropout rates in New York City schools is welcome news,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. “I am confident with a continued commitment to expanding gifted and talented programming to more communities and promoting career technical education, we will be able to further improve these metrics and give all our children the best possible chance of succeeding in school and in life.”
“Increasing graduation rates indicate significant citywide progress in our public schools,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik. “High school degrees put young people on the path toward higher education, which so often unlocks the door to a brighter future.”
“At a time when we’re grappling with so much negative news, what a blessing today to celebrate results moving in the right direction. When we see little victories, when we see a silver lining, when we can applaud our kids improvements, we should do so. I’m grateful that we’ve made these inroads with our high school students. I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor De Blasio and Chancellor Carranza to deliver more investments that will allow our students to stay motivated to improve graduation rates further,” said Council Member Andy King.
“With the highest number of public school students in the nation, providing quality education with results is no easy feat. A record-high graduation rate proves that our City is providing a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for the future. Bravo to our scholars, and to Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza on this great success,” said Council Member Keith Powers.
“I warmly congratulate New York City’s public school students, parents, teachers and administrators on last year’s 76 percent high school graduation rate and record low dropout rate. This collective success should give all of us confidence that the Administration’s intensified focus on education equity is serving students of all backgrounds from every borough. With this good news, let’s redouble our efforts on behalf of the almost one-in-four students that are still not reaching graduation. Their success will be our success,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal.
“I want to thank our educators for their dedication and hard work and to congratulate our students and their families. This is a group effort and we will keep moving and improving, together,’ said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers.
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