Dual credit enrollment and advanced placement opportunities are on the rise at Hannibal Public School District #60, as highlighted in the February 2025 Board of Education meeting. The district reported significant growth in course offerings through partnerships with Mobile Area Community College and Hannibal Grange University, providing students with valuable college-level coursework taught by high school instructors. This expansion not only enhances educational opportunities but also offers substantial cost savings for families, allowing students to graduate with college credits at a fraction of the cost.
The meeting also addressed attendance rates, with the district aiming to increase the percentage of students attending school at least 85% of the time by 3% each year. Currently, Hannibal's attendance rate stands at 80.9%, slightly below the state average of 82.6%. Strategies to improve attendance include identifying students with lower attendance rates and developing tailored intervention plans to address barriers to consistent school attendance.
The district is actively exploring alternatives to traditional schooling to reduce absences, including after-school programs and Saturday school sessions, which have proven effective in helping students catch up on missed work. With these initiatives, the district is committed to ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed academically and maintain regular attendance. The board will continue to monitor these efforts and report on progress in future meetings.