Hillman Community Schools

The Hillman Community Schools district in Michigan consists of two schools: Hillman Community JrSr High School, serving grades 6-12, and Hillman Elementary School, serving grades PK-5. While the high school has seen a significant improvement in its statewide ranking, moving from the bottom 20% to the top 17% of Michigan high schools, both schools continue to struggle with low academic performance, high absenteeism, and equity concerns.

Hillman Community JrSr High School, the district's only high school, has 228 students and has made impressive strides in its statewide ranking. However, the school's proficiency rates in core subjects remain well below state averages, and it faces a concerning 25% dropout rate and 37.5% chronic absenteeism rate. In contrast, Hillman Elementary School, with 187 students, has consistently ranked in the bottom 25% of Michigan elementary schools, with low proficiency rates across multiple grade levels and subject areas, as well as a 22.9% chronic absenteeism rate.

Both schools in the Hillman Community Schools district have a predominantly white student population, raising questions about equity and access to educational opportunities for students of color. Addressing the challenges faced by these schools, including improving academic performance, reducing absenteeism and dropout rates, and ensuring equitable access to quality education, will require a comprehensive and targeted approach by the district and community.