Lansing, MI – As 2024 comes to a close, the Lansing School District is taking time to reflect on the successes of the past year and to plan for continued growth in the future. While students enjoy their winter break, district officials are focused on improving academic outcomes, safety measures, and parent engagement as they prepare for the upcoming year.
Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is among those who are reflecting on a year of progress. “This school year has been great,” Shuldiner said. “We’ve raised the graduation rate by 25% since I arrived.”
Indeed, the district has made significant strides, with the graduation rate climbing from 62% in 2021 to nearly 87% by the end of 2024. Test scores have also risen across all grade levels, and attendance rates have improved by 14%, according to district officials. These statistics paint a promising picture of academic achievement and student success.
The improvements are not only academic but also reflect a growing sense of comfort and satisfaction among parents. Ashley Jones, a parent of two first graders at Riddle Elementary, expressed her positivity about the district’s direction. “The comfort here in the Lansing School District has been a major pro,” Jones said while picking up her children. “It’s been a fun year for my kids, and for me, it’s been inspiring.”
Looking ahead, Shuldiner is determined to continue the district’s progress. In an effort to engage the community and address parents’ concerns, he reached out to families to gather feedback on areas that need improvement. Some of the most common suggestions included enhancing transportation services, improving instructional quality, and increasing safety measures.
The district is already responding to some of these concerns. Shuldiner revealed that plans are in place to invest in additional safety enhancements for the 2025 school year. “We’re going to spend even more money on security,” Shuldiner explained. “This includes adding 3M film to more schools, creating secure vestibules, installing additional cameras, and building more fences to ensure the safety of our students.”
These steps are a reflection of the district’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment, which is a priority for parents like Ashley Jones. “These safety improvements definitely make me feel more confident about the upcoming school year,” she shared.
As the Lansing School District prepares for 2025, officials are focused on maintaining the positive momentum built in 2024. With plans for academic growth, increased safety measures, and stronger parent engagement, the district is poised to build on its recent successes and continue improving the educational experience for its students.
