Graduation rates for Buffalo Public Schools are on the rise.

Board members say giving students access to AP courses and elite programs at a younger age is helping them succeed more.

"Our Buffalo public schools and administrators is doing a great job looking at the critical issues and what's taking place and making sure everything is funded and that we have the right personalities in places and work with programs like Say Yes education and other organizations around the city that volunteering to help out children," said Terrance Heard, a school board member and chair of the Education Support Committee.

Board members say the next step is to continue what they're doing, making sure each school's needs are met.