Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

Dougherty County Schools has increased the graduation rate and decreased tduring this past school year.

Superintendent Sally Whatley got the official numbers from the state around 6 p.m. Monday. The graduation rate is up to 72.8 percent, up from 63.3 percent in 2008. The district also slashed the dropout rate from 4.6 percent in 2008 to 3.1 percent this year. Westover High School had the highest graduation rate and dropout rate. Dr. Whatley says they still have more work to do, but is very happy with the numbers.

“It’s been incremental progress over the years. Our dropout rate has decreased from 7.5 percent to 3.1 percent so I’m very proud. It’s hard work on behalf of our teachers and administrative staff,” Whatley said.

The state graduation and dropout rates are expected in the next few days.