Kenton County School District projects graduation rate above 99%, superintendent says

Dr. Webb, superintendent of the Kenton County School District, said the district expects a graduation rate above 99% for the Class of 2026 and cited high participation in dual-credit courses, Advanced Placement classes and industry certifications as indicators that graduates are prepared for postsecondary paths.

The superintendent told the district podcast that the system’s transition-readiness work begins in early grades and is reinforced through an Individual Learning Plan in middle school. “We back transition readiness all the way down to elementary,” Dr. Webb said, adding that data monitoring, parent nights and school visits help reduce anxiety around moves between school levels.

Dr. Webb listed several metrics and student outcomes he called signs of success: a projected graduation rate above 99%; a transition rate for exiting seniors of about 97%; 76 students graduating with or earning associate degrees; more than $22 million in scholarships; thousands of hours of dual-credit coursework; more than 700 students enrolled in AP classes; and more than 227 students earning industry or technical certifications. The podcast does not provide independent verification of the numbers; they were presented by the superintendent as district totals.

The district’s approach emphasizes adult advocates — one assigned to every student, Dr. Webb said — and early career exploration. Middle school students complete career-interest inventories and begin developing the Individual Learning Plan (ILP), which Dr. Webb described as a vehicle for charting pathways to college, trade school or the workforce.

“We have lots of parent nights, open houses during the summer. But it all comes down to relationships and communication,” Dr. Webb said, describing school-level steps the district uses to smooth transitions.

The podcast included a senior spotlight in which several graduating students briefly described their plans: Lloyd Hall (Dixie Heights High School) plans to attend Florence College of Barbering; Ellie Renan (Dixie Heights High School) said she will attend beauty school (stated as Palm Mitchell); Elijah Byersdorfer (Scott High School) said he is enlisted in the National Guard and will study HVAC at Gateway; Ryan Sweeney (Scott High School) plans to attend Northern Kentucky University and study journalism and political science; Vlad (senior) said he will study architecture at the University of Cincinnati; and Isabelle Demo (Simon Kenton High School) said she will attend the University of Kentucky to study architecture.

Dr. Webb also referenced the district’s “portrait of a graduate,” and singled out the “curious, resilient learner” as the trait he most wants students to carry through the system.

The podcast is an informational district production and contains statements by the superintendent and students; it does not record formal board action, votes or policy changes. The district plans to hold graduation ceremonies in the coming days for the Class of 2026, the superintendent said.