Durham Public Schools has a lower dropout rate than the state average this school year, according to a report given by DPS officials at a Monday committee meeting.

According to the presentation, the District's dropout rate for 9th to 12th grade is at 4.19 percent, which is lower compared to the statewide average of 4.97 percent.

School officials say the downward trend of the dropout rate is as a result of a focused effort to keep kids in schools.

Recently, the district has required high schools to keep scorecards, which measure school attendance, suspension rates and the overall dropout rates. Officials focused on at-risk students working with them to stop at-risk behavior.

High school counselors have begun tracking students based on various socio-economic and ethnic factors to help identify groups of students who might be at risk for dropping out.

Counselors have begun working with students, even while in elementary and middle schools. They are also working with families and outside agencies to develop a plan to make sure those students stay in school.