Governor Bentley Releases Statement Regarding Alabama Graduation Rate

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday released a statement regarding the Alabama State Department of Education graduation rate. The full statement is below.

“This week Superintendent of Education Michael Sentance briefed me on the findings from the State Department of Education’s internal audit of Alabama’s graduation rate. I was alarmed and disappointed to learn the numbers have been reported incorrectly to the U.S. Department of Education, to parents, to Legislators and my Office,” Governor Bentley said. “When Superintendent Sentance was chosen to lead the State Department of Education, he committed to increasing student achievement in Alabama. I appreciate the efforts of Superintendent Sentance and the members of the Alabama State Board of Education in working to identify problems, as well as solutions, on state and local levels. Our Alabama children need and deserve the best education our leaders can offer. I am confident Superintendent Sentance and members of the Board of Education will see to it that happens.”