A local high school celebrated some big improvements in student performance Tuesday.
Martin Van Buren High School is a member of the city's "Renewal School Program," which sets goals for rapid improvement at struggling schools. Over the last year, the school has seen an increase in attendance and graduation rates.
Van Buren is one of three schools to pass in all ten "Renewal School Program" designated benchmarks.
Officials tell us they are working to change the "struggling school" stigma.
“What we are trying to do is make us a commodity; you know a real destination commodity for this community,” said Principal Sam C. Sochet.
“We want every parent to send their students that are near Martin Van Buren High School, to Martin Van Buren High School,” added Assembly Member David Weprin. “There should be no hesitation at all.”
School officials say they're focused on working to increase their already passing "college readiness" rate going forward.