On Wednesday, the Georgia Department of Education released graduation scores for the state, and the overall news was positive. Not only were graduation scores higher than they’d ever been statewide, but locally every public high school saw its rate climb.

The Troup County School System’s overall rate rose to 84.1 percent, well above the state average of 81.6 percent. For a school system that was hovering around 71.4 percent four years ago, that’s a tremendous improvement.

Obviously, graduation rates only tell part of the story on the school system. There’s still plenty to work on, including reading scores, attendance rates and how students fare in the real world after they’ve gotten a diploma.

However, this is a big step in the right direction.

Regardless of other opportunities for growth, the truth is that more students in Troup County are crossing the graduation stage and receiving a diploma. That’s good news for everyone.