Special Meeting/Workshop

1. Convene: 2:40 p.m.
2. Public Comments: Dianne Hanfmann
3. Val/Sal Policy
   Minutes: Dr. Johnson reviewed the Cum Laude Recognition for Meritorious Academic Achievement process and detailed the following:
   
   Exemplary academic student achievement will be recognized at graduation through a cum laude system rather than identifying a valedictorian and salutatorian. In order to receive meritorious recognition, students must attend the high school at least three years, two of which must be the junior and senior years.
   
   Cum laude distinction will be awarded to the top 1%, 3% and 5% of the senior class. This percentage will be based on the students’ rank as determined by the weighted grade point average, or honor point average (HPA) derived from all grades earned in high school credit courses taken through the end of the first semester of twelfth grade.
   
   Categories are as follows:
   
   Cum Laude – students ranked in the top 4% and 5% of the class.
   Magna Cum Laude – students ranked in the top 2% and 3% of the class.
   Summa Cum Laude – students ranked in the top 1% of the class.
   
   Board Members discussed: stress put on students who compete for valedictorian and salutatorian and the significant manipulation involved in the process.
   
   Mr. Graham stated that he does not see this issue being resolved with the recommended transition, rather just more students “playing the game.”
   
   Dr. Robinson questioned why this is being brought forward after years of it being the standard process.
   
   Mr. Kanjian would like to research other high schools that have used the recommended process and requested more input from principals, students and the public before a final decision is made.
   
   Dr. Benaim feels this would only increase the threshold situation and would be eliminating a time honored tradition.
   
   Judy Klinek reviewed the background on the AP and Honors GPA standards.
   
   Mr. Graham questioned perimeters the District could set on the policy.
   
   Dr. Richmond suggested the Board address the issue of the online high school to the State level.
   
   The Superintendent stated that he would meet with Principals and bring back a recommendation.
   
   
4. Adjourn: 3:25 p.m.