URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Urbana School District 116 is celebrating progress in several key areas following the release of the 2025 Illinois School Report Card from the Illinois State Board of Education. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum announced that the district’s chronic absenteeism rate dropped from 44% to 39% over the past school year — a major step toward improving student outcomes.
“Our focus on attendance and student engagement is working,” Ivory-Tatum said. “This reduction shows what we can achieve when we come together as a community.”
The report marks the first since Urbana’s 2024 redistricting plan, which included creating a new dual-language school at Yankee Ridge Elementary. The district also noted an increase in participation in career and technical education and dual credit courses at Urbana High School.
While the district’s four-year graduation rate dipped slightly from 83% to 80%, the five-year rate rose to 85%, showing more students are staying the course to earn diplomas. Initiatives like Tiger Academy and AVID programs are helping students recover credits and prepare for college and careers.
Urbana Middle School also improved its state designation from Comprehensive to Targeted, supported by stronger proficiency in English Language Arts and Math and better attendance.
Ivory-Tatum said the district remains committed to its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, focused on academic growth, staff development, and community engagement. “We are leading for the future,” she said. “Our students’ growth, sense of belonging, and success remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Families can view the full Illinois Report Card at www.illinoisreportcard.com.