Baltimore Sun: Dundalk High Slowly Turning Corner

Baltimore Sun education reporter Liz Bowie reported on improved academic performance in the last few years at , which had been struggling.

Under Principal Thomas Shouldice, the school has made slow but steady academic progress. For example, since the 2008-2009 school year, Dundalk's graduation rate has improved 12 percent.

Shouldice came to the high school from Dundalk Middle, taking on a job few wanted, according to the Sun, and overhauled the faculty.

Patch reported at  that Shouldice noted 70 percent of Dundalk's students planned to attended a two-year or four-year college—an increase of 37 percent over the previous year. In addition, another 16 percent of the graduating students planned to enter specialized trade schools or the military.

Efforts to improve the culture and attitude at the school have also paid dividends. A Patch story last year highlighted seniors going through a with local business owners, community leaders and alumni.

Several of the athletic teams have also seen a resurgence, with the football, girls basketball and baseball teams all posting solid records last year.

Patch also reported last year that Dundalk High School remains a certified , and the , held at the high school, was a success last spring, packing the school's gymnasium.

Challenges remain. For example, in July it was ending the school's Junior ROTC program. 

Students also have new school buildings to look forward to. The new Dundalk High School and Sollers Point Technical School, both part of a $78 million project, will be located on the same campus. They are scheduled to open for the 2013-14 school year. A link to the Patch story on the groundbreaking last fall can be found