School committee approves new valedictorian tie-breaker policy using ACT scores

The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Board of Education's Governance Committee made a significant decision during their recent meeting on March 25, 2025, addressing the criteria for selecting valedictorians. This change aims to provide clarity and fairness in recognizing top students, a matter that resonates deeply with families and the community.

The committee approved a new policy that establishes a tiebreaker for valedictorian honors. Under the revised guidelines, if two students achieve the same highest grade point average (GPA), the student with the higher ACT score will be named valedictorian. In cases where both students have identical GPAs and ACT scores, both will be honored as co-valedictorians, with no salutatorian awarded.

This decision comes in response to previous instances of ties among top students, ensuring a consistent approach moving forward. Committee members emphasized the importance of having a clear policy to handle such situations, reflecting a commitment to fairness in academic recognition.

The unanimous approval of this amended policy highlights the board's dedication to maintaining high academic standards while also addressing the needs and concerns of the community. As students and families prepare for graduation, this clarity will help ensure that achievements are recognized appropriately, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment within the school community.