Alabama High School Grad Rates Inflated, Superintendent Says
On paper, Alabama’s graduation rate of 89.3 percent ranks third in the country. But those rates, reported to the U.S. Department of Education, were inflated, says Alabama’s new school superintendent. The state was counting occupational diplomas with lower standards and didn’t adequately supervise school systems that may have been granting diplomas to students who hadn’t earned them.
State School Superintendent Michael Sentance says, “This is a black eye for the department and it makes the education system here look bad, and in some ways undeservedly so.”
Sentance told the State Board of Education during a Thursday meeting that he is working on a solution.
“We need to make sure that when a student says I have a diploma from an Alabama high school it means something powerful,” he says.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says he’s alarmed and disappointed by the report. Former Superintendent Tommy Bice has said he stands by his decision to include occupational diplomas in the count for high school graduation.
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
