4J Parent News
January 2024, Volume 2
4J's Graduation Rate Up!
The graduation rate for the Class of 2023 was 80.9 percent — the second-highest in our district’s history — only surpassed three years earlier, when the state temporarily modified graduation requirements due to the pandemic.
Some student groups demonstrated notable gains in their graduation rates. Students with disabilities, who receive special education services, increased 3.5 percent to 62.8 percent, while the rates for students from economically disadvantaged households and who are homeless also increased.
The on-time graduation rate for students enrolled in ECCO, 4J's alternative high school, went up substantially, jumping more than 16 percent from the prior year and more than 24 percent when compared to the Class of 2019 four years ago.
The upward trajectory of 4J's graduation rate represents progress and demonstrates the dedication and resolve of our educators and students. Much work remains, including closing opportunity and achievement gaps that persist, as they do across Oregon and the United States. We continue our work to ensure every 4J student graduates high school on-time and has the knowledge and skills to find success as adults.
Thank You for Your Understanding and Patience
I want to take a moment to express gratitude for the dedicated efforts of those within our district, partner agencies and beyond. Whether you were contending with power outages, dealing with tree damage, or providing care to family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, the true commitment to community displayed last week was inspiring.
Acknowledging that decisions regarding school closures and schedule adjustments are never universally embraced, I am appreciative of those who voiced their gratitude for the considerate manner in which the district navigated this unusual weather event. We also take into account the constructive feedback from those who believe there is room for improvement. We are committed to continuous learning and enhancement.
- Dr. Andy Dey, Superintendent
If you did not receive school closure emails or texts, please call your school office to verify your contact information.
New Program Sets Up Black Students for SUCCESS
Our district is launching a new program to give a boost to Black students, so they can experience a successful transition into high school this fall.
The SUCCESS program – which stands for Setting Up Challenges to Cultivate Equitable Starts for Students – will combine tutoring, basic needs assistance and social-emotional learning for eighth graders who will be entering high school in the fall. SUCCESS will start as an after-school program and then transition into a summer program after this school year. While the program focuses on Black students, the program also will support other students in need of these services.
“If these students don’t have an equitable start when they enter high school, they’re going to be behind,” said Dr. Brenda Sanders, the longtime educator who will be leading the program with a team of about a half-dozen educators. “We want to be the equalizer.”
Our district is focused on providing equitable access for all students, particularly those who've been underserved historically. A component of this work is increasing the four-year graduation rate for Black students in the 4J community.
Special Education Job Fair, Feb. 10
Special education teachers and specialists—we want YOU to join Team Eugene! As a student-centered district, we are looking for highly motivated individuals who have a calling to work with a special population of students.
Special Education Job Fair, Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m.–noon
4J Education Center, 200 N. Monroe St.
• JOB OPENINGS: School Psychologists • School Psych Interns • Speech Language Pathologists • Special Education Teachers • Occupational Therapists • Nurses
• APPLY ONLINE: www.schooljobs.com/careers/laneedu, then
• SCHEDULE: Email scroggins_s@4j.lane.edu for an interview time. In-person & zoom interviews are available. *Walk-ins welcome!
Whether you are a soon–to–be education graduate, veteran teacher, or exploring other jobs in education, we have full and part-time opportunities for you!
Board Discussing Tax Levy Renewal Measure
Our school board is initiating discussions about seeking voter approval in May to extend our district's local option property tax levy, which plays a crucial role in financing the day-to-day operations of our schools.
This would not be a new tax or a tax increase, but a continuation of the five-year levy that has been providing additional money to help pay for since 2000. Voters have overwhelmingly renewed the levy four times, most recently in 2019. The levy’s renewal would provide another five years of local funding to help maintain school days, student programs, staffing levels and class sizes to the extent possible. More information will be shared as the school board continues its discussions.
Super Insights: New Podcast Episode Available
The newest episode of Super Insights, our podcast featuring Superintendent Andy Dey, is now ready for your listening pleasure.
Our district and the Lane Arts Council have had a partnership for years, which is stronger than ever. Dr. Dey talks with Ben Minnis, the council’s education coordinator and artist-in-residence Andrea Dipalma Yansane to share how the partnership works and the many benefits that students and staff receive. This is part one of a two-part series focusing on the value of arts education.
Super Insights podcast gives listeners an in-depth look at the major programs, priorities and issues for our district. Submit your questions / topic suggestions for Superintendent Dey.
Join The Team, Apply for 4J Jobs
Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Building Behavior Support Assistants • Coaches • Educational Assistants • Equipment Operator • Fleet Mechanic • High School Registrar • Jewish Student Union Program Coordinator • Math Teacher • NATIVES Program Tutors • Plumbing Specialist • Special Ed Educational Assistant • and more!