The Arcadia Unified School District's high school dropout rate was 1.13% for the 1987-88 school year. Erroneous figures previously released by the state Dept. of Education had the figures at 7.05% to 15%.
Some Sierra Madre parents want to split from the Pasadena Unified School District and join the Arcadia Unified School District because of Arcadia's high-ranking CAP scores and low dropout rate. Members of Arcadia's Board of Education question whether they could handle the influx of new students.
Tax rates are being increased in the city's five lighting districts. Article discusses status of other tax rates and notes an increase of 9.2% in the total assessed valuation of all properties in Arcadia.
The Arcadia Unified School District's scores on the California Assessment Program went up in math for all grades this year, but down in reading in the 3rd and 6th grades, while 8th grade students showed an increase in reading. Other figures are also given in the article, as well as a chart of scores for each AUSD school on page A-2.
Best Disposal Company will ask City Council for an approximate 40% increase in rates. Arcadia has had the lowest rates in the Valley for a number of years. A survey of the area shows that Best's request is for a higher rate than the average.
The City Council will increase water rates on a year to year basis for the next five years. Funds will thus be accumulated for predictable major replacement projects. These projects are outlined in the article.
As of last week 8,188 students were enrolled in the Arcadia Unified School District. This figure is a 68 student increase over the 8,120 students enrolled in the district at the end of last year. Class sizes are hovering around 29.8.
Preliminary census figures show Arcadia's population grew 4% in the past 10 years to reach 48,007, a slow growth rate compared to surrounding communities.
The School Board approved an $18.8 million budget that represents a 2% increase over last years figures. The driver training program was not included in the budget.
The preliminary report of the population and housing counts of the 1980 census provides population figures for cities in the area. Arcadia's population increased slightly more than 800 from 45,138 in 1970 to 45, 955 in 1980.
The first reading of a water conservation ordinance was undertaken at the City Council meeting June 8. Five phases of the measure are given. Water rates will increase $.06 per 100 cubic feet as of August 1.
Beginning October 1, Arcadians will pay more for their water. The increase will be in two steps. The first will be an increase of 6% per 100 cubic feet. The second will be dependent on possible increases in the Edison rates for pumping.
The Arcadia Board of Education approved a tentative $16.7 million budget. Included was an increase in special education programs. The figures are only estimates and will depend in part on any state school finance formulas to be decided.
Second of 2 articles about the increasing Asian student population in the Arcadia Unified School District, where over the past 10 years the Asian student population has grown from 9 to 39%.