DUSD celebrates achievements at State of the Schools address

Downey public works director Mohammad Mostahkami, finance director Anil Gandhy and space center executive director Ben Dickow participate in a group activity at Friday's State of the Schools event. Photo courtesy DUSD

DOWNEY – The Downey Unified School District held its 4th annual State of the Schools Friday morning. 

The event was held at the Los Angeles County of Education West Conference Center. Several City officials, school teachers and administration, members of the DUSD School Board, and notable Downey residents were all in attendance.

DUSD’s mission statement was repeatedly emphasized throughout the meeting. Officially, the district’s mission is recognized as to be committed to developing all students to be self-motivated learners and productive, responsible and compassionate members of an ever-changing global society. 

During the event, Downey Unified Superintendent Dr. John Garcia gave mention to many of the accomplishments achieved by the district and Downey schools in the past year, including an increased attendance and graduation rate. 

Graduation rates for Downey unified were the highest compared to other school districts in the region, according to the data that was presented Friday morning.

“Our last year for 2015 was 96 percent [graduation rate], up over the last few years,” said Garcia. “In our particular region, our little corner of southeast LA County…Downey Unified is by far the highest in regards to our graduation rates.”

Student and parent satisfaction rates were an also particularly high stat that were highlighted, often times sitting in the 90 and beyond percentages and surpassing other district and regional data numbers by large amounts.

Garcia also noted that there has also been an increase in Advanced Placement enrollment and passing of over 50 percent from 2011 to 2015.

Over 12,000 technological devices have also been added and integrated into district classrooms. 

It was also announced that Downey Unified had recently been acknowledged one of two of the 2017 Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) Exemplar districts. 

The gathering was also used as an opportunity to honor Gauldin Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher Lisa Mitchner, who has been selected as Downey Unified Teacher of the Year.

Downey MADE: A Career Initiative and S.T.E.A.M also gave brief presentations and updates. 

Proceeds from the event benefit the True Lasting Connection Resource Center.