To celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Mason Murphy.

The Pendleton School District (PSD) is proud to announce that its graduation and completion rates for the 2024-2025 school year are the highest in the past 15+ years. Through the hard work and dedication of the students, staff and supportive families, the district’s regular diploma rate climbed to 89.7%. This marks a significant 6% increase from the previous year, exceeding the Oregon state average of 83%.

District-Wide Excellence: The 2024-2025 data highlights a district-wide trend of improvement.

• Dropout Rate: The district dropout rate fell to 1.7%, a 2% improvement over the previous year.
• Students with Disabilities: Graduation rates for this group increased to 89.7%, an improvement of nearly 18% from the year prior.
• Completion Rates: The district’s 4-year completion rate reached 91.3%, while the 5-year completion rate rose to 87.9%.
• Early Success: The “9th Grade on Track” rate reached 86% district-wide, providing a strong foundation for future graduating classes.

Pendleton High School (PHS): Pendleton High School continues to demonstrate exceptional performance with a graduation rate of 94.6%, an increase of nearly 6%.

• Students with Disabilities: PHS achieved a graduation rate of over 95% for this group, a 20% increase from the previous school year.
• 9th Grade Foundation: 93% of 2024-2025 ninth grade students ended the school year on track for graduation.
• Total Completion: The 4-year completer rate (including diplomas, GEDs, and modified diplomas) reached 95.7%.

Hawthorne Alternative High School: Hawthorne Alternative High School successes continue with a 72.2% graduation rate. This is the highest rate in the school’s history and represents a 17% increase from the previous year.

A Commitment to Growth and Continual Improvement

While we recognize these great successes, the Pendleton School District remains focused on ensuring success for every student. The district is actively working to bridge the “graduation gap” where graduation rates for minority student groups do not yet match the general population.

• Native American Students: Current graduation rate is 78.4%, while above the state average of 74%, this represents a decrease of 5% from the previous school year.
• Hispanic Students: Current graduation rate is 78.8%.  This is 1% behind the state average and nearly a 3% decrease from the previous year.

The district is committed to targeted improvements and additional support systems to bring these rates into alignment with the district’s overall average.

2024-2025 Performance at a Glance

Category	PSD	State Average
All Students	89.70%	83%
Students with Disabilities	89.70%	72.20%
Students Experiencing Poverty	81.80%	71.30%
Dropout Rate	1.70%	2.90%
4-Year Completion	91.30%	85.50%

 

A Message from the Superintendent:

“This year’s data isn’t just a collection of numbers; it’s a reflection of the grit shown by our students and the relentless support of our educators. Seeing our district graduation rate hit 89.7%—the highest in over 15 years—proves that when we set high expectations and provide the right resources, our students rise to the challenge. I am especially proud of our students with disabilities, who matched our district average at 89.7%, showing that every student in Pendleton can succeed.

With a 94.6% graduation rate at Pendleton High School and a historic 72.2% at Hawthorne Alternative High School, we are proving that every path to a diploma is valid. Whether a student thrives in a traditional setting or finds their way through our alternative programs, our goal remains the same: a clear path to a successful future.

However, our mission is not yet complete. While we celebrate these record-breaking gains, we are looking closely at the graduation rates for our Native American and Hispanic student groups. These figures are a call to action. We are committed to closing these ‘graduation gaps’ with the same urgency and dedication that led to our overall success this year, ensuring that excellence in Pendleton truly means excellence for every student, every day.”  – Dr. Michelle Jensen, PSD Superintendent

 

 

To celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Ryan DeGrofft:

If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I work for Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. I’m also an owner at Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub.

What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I have three sons in the Pendleton School District — two in high school and one in middle school. My wife is a teacher at Washington Elementary. And I am a PHS graduate.

Why do you serve on the School Board?
Education is the surest path to economic success and responsible adulthood. I hope that my service on the board will help effect changes that will enable better educational outcomes for Pendleton’s students.

What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
I love Pendleton’s can-do spirit. We value community involvement and volunteerism.

To celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Vice Chair Anne Keeler: 

If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I work at 1910 CrossFit in Pendleton as a part-time gym manager.

What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I have two children who attend PSD schools: McKay Creek Elementary and Sunridge Middle School. My children are the fourth generation in our family to attend Pendleton schools. I have many personal connections at multiple schools through participation in parent clubs, volunteering, past employment as a Teacher and Substitute Teacher, and prior work as a University Supervisor for the College of Education at Eastern Oregon University. 

Why do you serve on the School Board?
I am committed to the belief that strong schools are essential for the greater good of our community. As a School Board member, I strive to make a tangible difference by shaping policies that directly support student growth and long-term success. Ultimately, I hope to make a lasting difference in the educational opportunities available to every child in our district.

What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
I love the small-town feel and the sense of genuine care that comes from such a close-knit community. After growing up in the Portland-Metro area, I truly love that a familiar face is only one trip to the grocery store away. 

January is School Board Recognition Month!

Our school board members are more than just officials—they are our neighbors, friends, and tireless advocates for our children’s futures. They spend countless hours behind the scenes making tough decisions, attending evening meetings or school events, and always putting students first.

Please join us in saying THANK YOU to our seven outstanding school board members for their dedication to Pendleton School District! We are so grateful for your leadership and your heart for our community.