Your assistance is requested to help solve a big problem in our community.

We are facing an education crisis because too many of our children are dropping out of high school and not getting the education they will need to be successful in the future.

You may think this issue does not impact you because you don't have any children in school. Think again!

Teens who drop out of high school are a big problem for our entire community because it has a negative impact not only on the individual, but on the community as a whole. It has a significant economic impact on Knox County because we are unable to attract companies that rely on an educated workforce and lower-paying jobs means we have a smaller tax base. It negatively impacts our crime rate and increases the demand for social services.

We can improve the situation if we work together and get involved!

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Please join us at a special event - the Moving Forward Graduation Summit to be held Saturday, November 14th 2009 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Fulton High School. There is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided. You must RSVP to receive lunch.

Click the link below to register for the event or call 865-246-2658.

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Community members from all areas of Knox County are invited to attend this dropout prevention summit that will include a breakout session allowing each Knox County high school community time to discuss what dropout issues most affect their areas and what remedies can be implemented. Breakouts will be co-facilitated by Knox County Schools administrators and community members.

Only two Knox County high schools (Bearden and Farragut) meet the goal of 90% graduation, so there is room for improvement at all schools!

The high schools that need the most help are:

Fulton - 60% graduation rate
Central - 71% graduation rate
Carter - 74% graduation rate
Austin East - 75% graduation rate
Gibbs - 77% graduation rate
West - 83% graduation rate

Please get involved! Educators and parents can't do it alone - we need you! Hope to see you there.