Northport Public School graduates like their alma mater, but wish they had a more rigorous curriculum to prepare them for post high school studies.

That was among findings presented by Janet Crane and Amy Kohler from an alumni survey they conducted over the last six months. At a work session on Thursday, May 24, the Northport Board of Education reviewed a presentation by Crane and Kohler, who are members of the school improvement team.

The pair developed the survey based on samples provided by other school districts that conduct follow-up studies on graduates.

The biggest challenge was finding current addresses for Northport School students who graduated from 1995-2005. During that span, 225 students graduated from Northport; surveys were sent to the 161 who could be located.

Fifty-seven surveys (35 percent) were completed and returned.

Results showed the former students appreciated the effort they were required to make for their senior projects. Northport Public School requires each senior to complete a project to graduate. Respondents said the senior project was influential and had a positive impact on their post-high school lives.

Other positive aspects from the survey were that 75 percent of the respondents said the school’s curriculum prepared them well for life after high school, and that they welcomed the small class sizes and opportunities for community involvement.

Some suggested improvements including the need for more Advanced Placement offerings, and a request for higher expectations from their teachers. Overall, the survey showed that Northport graduates were happy with their high school experience.

Superintendent Tyrus Wessell said the school improvement team is considering making the graduate survey and annual task. The team members recommended the following:

• Conduct an exit survey and a follow-up survey of graduates five years after they have graduated;

• Make survey results available for public viewing;

• Have results given to the teaching staff at Northport;

• Include an executive summary and comments on the school website. The school website address is http://www.northportps.org.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a motion selecting candidates for four vacancies on the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District’s board. The board selected Joseph Fisher of Elk Rapids Public Schools, Robert McCall of Frankfort-Elberta Schools, and Ranae McCauley of Forest Area Schools for three six-year terms. For the one two-year term, Jim Scherrer of Northport Public School was selected.

• Approved the 2007 graduating seniors list. There are 19 students graduating from Northport High School, with Jacob Egeler the valedictorian and Jessie Earl salutatorian. Graduation will be held on Friday, June 8 at 7 p.m. in the small gym. The ceremony is free and open to the public.