Beyond the numbers: The educators behind Duval’s graduation rate increase

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The numbers are in and they show Jacksonville schools lead the state in graduation improvement among the largest districts.

Action News Jax reported the percentages Thursday but we wanted to know what’s behind those numbers.

We went to Sandalwood High School, which was one of five high schools that earned a more than 2 percentage point increase in their graduation rate.

We met graduation coach Joel Chaitovicz, Coach C. He’s the person students meet with if they’re in danger of failing.

But they quickly learn that once they sit before Coach C, giving up is not an option.

“I love working with the kids that want to quit, That’s what drives me,” he said.

For him it’s more than just a job. He even got emotional as he described what his work means to him.

“All through the years of teaching I never thought I would be in a position like this,” said Coach C. “We give it all we have at this building.”

Sandalwood has now reached a 99 percent graduation rate.

The principal, Dr. Saryn Hatcher, said the numbers don’t surprise him.

“We have high expectations, there’s no doubt about that. That’s why we have a 99% graduation rate,” said Hatcher.

Sandalwood alone has, give or take, 3,000 students.

Keeping track of every single one of them is difficult but Hatcher said there’s one thing he credits with the success of his school.

“Relationships, that’s the key,” he said.

Overall Duval County’s graduation rate is 86.5 percent, an increase of over 28 percentage points over a decade.

Ribault High School saw the most improvement, with a 95.9 percent graduation rate, an increase of more than 8 percentage points.

For the dedicated educators behind this growth, it comes down to this.

“I was once told they don’t care about what you know, they care how much you care,” said Chaitovicz.

Most Read