School Board approves transition to Latin honors and new grading system

The Lewisburg Area School District School Board convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding academic policies and grading systems for the upcoming school year. The meeting focused on the transition from traditional class rankings to a Latin honors system, as well as changes to the grading scale.

The first major topic addressed was the effectiveness of the Bridges math program, which has reportedly improved student problem-solving skills and overall math performance. Board members expressed optimism about the program's impact, noting that it encourages diverse approaches to solving mathematical problems.

Next, the board discussed the overhaul of the class rank system, which eliminated traditional valedictorian and salutatorian titles in favor of a decile ranking system. This change aims to honor academic achievement without the competitive pressures associated with class rankings. The class of 2025 will be the first to graduate under this new system, which will recognize students based on their decile placement rather than a numerical rank.

The meeting also outlined the introduction of a Latin honors system to acknowledge high academic achievement at graduation. Students achieving a GPA of 3.9 or higher will be eligible to apply for speaking roles at graduation ceremonies. This system is designed to provide recognition without the traditional weighted class rank, allowing students who excel in non-AP courses to be acknowledged for their achievements.

Additionally, the board announced a shift to a new grading scale that includes an A+ designation, which will range from 98 to 100. This change aims to provide a more nuanced assessment of student performance and ensure that high-achieving students are accurately represented in GPA calculations. The new grading scale will be implemented for all grade levels starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

The board emphasized the importance of these changes in aligning the district's academic standards with those of top high schools in Pennsylvania and facilitating a smoother transition for students entering higher education. The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from board members and the community, highlighting the district's commitment to transparency and collaboration in educational policy development.