Students in wealthier districts are twice as likely as students in large city schools to graduate in four years, according to the latest graduation report released to the state Board of Regents.

"Graduation rates vary widely based on student need and district wealth," said state Education Commissioner Richard Mills, who reported the four-year graduation rate ranged from 45 percent in large cities to 91 percent in wealthiest districts.

Class of 2006 (who started ninth grade in 2002)

• Statewide average: 67 percent

Mills noted the disparity between high-need and low-need districts declines in the fifth and sixth year of high school, but it is still "unacceptably large." After six years, 57 percent of large city school students had graduated; 94 percent for low-need districts.

In last month's report to the state's education policy-making board, Mills applauded Yonkers for its graduation rate of 70 percent. In addition, he noted New York City has increased its four-year rate from 44 percent in 2004 to 50 percent in 2006. Four-year graduation rates have declined in Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester.

NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi said the graduation rate report underscores the need to channel more funding to districts that need it most. "Graduation rates in some communities are at a crisis point," Iannuzzi said. "In today's society, a high school diploma is the bare minimum that students need to land a decent job."

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira noted the latest report shows a higher percentage of students of color earning diplomas. The four-year graduation rate of African-American students increased from 44 percent to 47 percent between 2004 and 2006. For Latino students, the rate increased from 41 percent to 45 percent.

"There is an undeniable link between poverty and low graduation rates," Neira said. "Achievement gains for children living in poverty are undermined by sweeping social issues, including inadequate health care, substandard housing, insufficient early childhood education programs and a lack of resources. Closing the achievement gap is going to take all our efforts to close gaps in our social support networks."

The union is strongly committed to finding ways to close the achievement gap and raise graduation rates. Iannuzzi is establishing a NYSUT Task Force on High Schools that will examine ways the graduation rates can be improved as soon as possible. As part of the effort, union leaders will invite students and parents to share their views and suggestions.

"An increase in the overall graduation rate is something we all know is necessary," Iannuzzi said. "And we will do our part to make sure that happens."

— Sylvia Saunders