Limestone Community High School has released its performance data for the 2024–2025 academic year, showing progress in several key areas outlined in its Strategic Plan adopted in August 2025.
Superintendent Keith Brown highlighted improvements under Strategic Plan Goal 2: Academics and Achievement. Chronic absenteeism among students dropped from 43% to 32%, while the rate of chronically truant students decreased from 28% to 23%. Teacher attendance also improved, with the percentage of teachers having more than ten absences reduced from 27% to 18%.
Student achievement indicators have risen as well. The graduation rate increased from 77% to 80%. The ninth-grade on-track rate rose significantly, moving from 80% to over 91%, surpassing the district’s goal ahead of schedule. The dropout rate declined from over six percent to below two percent, and postsecondary enrollment went up by six percentage points.
In terms of school safety and culture, incidents involving physical violence saw a substantial reduction. “When we created the plan, the 2023 Illinois Report Card data showed 83 reported incidents of physical violence. To clarify this state metric, an ‘incident’ refers to any student discipline action where violence was cited, meaning a single altercation involving several students could result in multiple reported ‘incidents.’ By the end of the 2024–2025 school year, that number dropped to 12, a 71-point improvement. This remarkable reduction demonstrates our collective success in fostering a positive, respectful, safe, and secure school environment,” said Brown.
The district attributes these outcomes partly to new safety initiatives such as implementing the Centegix CrisisAlert system and other measures focused on prevention and response.
Due to these changes, Limestone Community High School’s designation on the Illinois Report Card improved from “Targeted” to “Commendable.” Brown stated: “This recognition reflects strong overall performance, no underperforming student groups, and a high graduation rate. These results demonstrate our focused efforts and academic initiatives are making a meaningful difference in student engagement, consistency, and overall performance.”
Advanced Placement participation is increasing at Limestone; more students are taking AP exams with many sitting for multiple tests. Dual-credit options are expanding as well as career pathway programs across engineering, medical careers, technology, skilled trades, and education.
Brown emphasized financial stability within the district: “Through careful fiscal management and responsible oversight, we have maintained an aggressive facilities improvement plan without increasing the tax rate for our residents.” He added that fund balances remain healthy for continued operation.
Co-curricular activities also remain strong at Limestone with student participation across music programs like marching band and madrigals; sports such as golf and soccer; robotics; cheerleading; theater; Esports; speech competitions; volleyball; baseball; among others.
Brown concluded: “Limestone Community High School is an exceptional district with extraordinary potential. Our students are seizing opportunities every day, our staff continue to inspire and support, and our alumni make us proud through their success in college, careers, and service. While we are proud of our progress, we remain deeply committed to continued improvement and to achieving/surpassing the goals set forth in our Strategic Plan.”
He thanked families for their ongoing support: “Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership as we work together to ensure that every Limestone student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
