K12 guidance counselors and college admissions officers are urged to consider the levels of school, neighborhood and family resources available to students.

More than half of the graduating class of 2023 is opting out of the traditional four-year college education, according to a survey released Tuesday. While these numbers are no cause for alarm, leaders should be concerned that nearly one-third of the graduates were not aware of the career and technical education programs that would have given them alternative paths.

Lewis Brooks, leader Shelby County Schools, makes it a priority to regularly highlight his students' and staff members' "interests and exceptional accomplishments."

Frequent and enthusiastic communication is Superintendent Adam Clark's top tool in maintaining enrollment and combatting misinformation.