YUHSD announces all time low dropout rate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) announced last week that dropout rates for students are at an all-time low.

The seven high schools in the district each have a dropout specialist who reach out to students before considering dropping out.

Dropout specialist Arisbey Ojeda-Garcia says students' success is their top priority.

"Lower dropout rates show that we're actually working hard to help our students succeed in school. And at the same time, we're trying to take away as many barriers as possible so that they can be successful in high school and beyond," Ojeda-Garcia said.

Each dropout specialist works with the students, whether it be home visits or one-on-one conversations.

Ojeda-Garcia said she loves what she does in helping students in the long run.

"I love what I do because I'm able to support students. I'm able to help them and I'm able to be part of them reaching success. I love what I do every single day. We're able to verify that students are successful, which makes a very big difference as well," said Ojeda-Garcia.

The average dropout rate in Arizona is around 4% while Yuma averages around 1%.