NASHUA – Although a 2.25 percent dropout rate for the 2016-17 school year may not seem to be a staggering number on the surface, officials in the Nashua School District are hiring a consultant to help ensure at-risk students receive their diplomas.

Jeff Levin will be the man assisting 25 students at Nashua High School North and 25 students at Nashua High School South make it to graduation, as a result of the Finance and Operations Committee recommended the hiring.

Levin is the founder of Jeff Levin Coaching, a home-based life coaching for teens, young adults, adults and their families in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and beyond. He offers interactive programs, such as camps, coaching and team-building program. He helps students and parent groups, corporations, athletes and others.

Board of Education President Dotty Oden said the 50 kids Levin will be working with have been identified through their teachers and counselors as potential dropouts. She said whether these students are having problems in school or facing issues at home, Levin will be working with them so that each individual can succeed and graduate from high school.

“I think it’s important for every student to graduate from high school, and we have a very small dropout rate,” Oden said.

However, as small as it may be, school officials are looking to reduce that number even more, ideally bringing it to zero. Nevertheless, she said last year’s percentage is still being calculated. Oden said even if that 2.25 percent dropout rate seems like a low number, it still represents lost opportunities.

“If we can help them graduate, then that’s critical and it’s coming from a federal droput prevention grant,” Oden said.

She said it will cost $38,049 for year-long contract providing assistance to these 50 at-risk students. When considering which students are at-risk, Oden said officials took into account factors such as grades and attendance rates, as well as recommendations from counselors who have a more information on what life at home might be like for these students.

Nashua High School South Principal Keith Richard said the school district is always looking for different approaches and resources that are available to help students who are at-risk or who need a different approach.

“Jeff has worked with many high school students across New Hampshire, and after meeting with him, we think he could certainly help students at North and South,” Richard said. “His goal is to meet with them, and he’s willing to meet with families, and he just wants to make sure the needs of students are met so they can put themselves in a place to do better academically and emotionally upon graduation.”

Richard said Levin was referred to the district and had previously done some work with Nashua football teams. He said Nashua South coach Scott Knight said Levin was someone they should interview, citing that he relates well with students.

Richard said he and North Principal Nathan Burns believed Levin was a dynamic guy who would certainly help their students.

“If we can save some of these students from not graduating – if we can help them in any way – I think it’s critical for those students,” Oden said. “I think it’s a wise investment.”

Adam Urquhart can be reached at 594-1206 or aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.