Danville School Board approves $5M Title I grant for 2025-2026 school year

Danville Public Schools is set to implement significant changes to its grading system starting in the 2026-2027 school year, as discussed in the June 5th regular meeting. The new policy will see standardized tests, known as SOLs, account for 10% of students' final grades for grades 7 through 12. This shift aims to enhance classroom instruction time and provide students with additional opportunities to recover lost learning.

In addition to the grading changes, the meeting highlighted the adjustment of the grading scale from a 600-point system to a more straightforward 100-point scale. The last two weeks of the school year will now be dedicated to mandatory end-of-course exams, ensuring that students are adequately assessed before the summer break.

Superintendent Dr. Angela Harrison emphasized the importance of these changes in improving educational outcomes. Teachers involved in scoring assessments will also benefit from professional development points, further incentivizing their participation in the new system.

The meeting also covered updates from the Piedmont Governor's School, where all instructional positions have been filled for the upcoming school year, and budget approvals were made for the 2025-2026 academic year. The board recognized Dr. Mark Jones for his contributions as he prepares for retirement.

In addition, the board approved several federal grant applications aimed at enhancing educational programs, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and Title V funding, which will support various instructional and professional development initiatives.

These developments reflect Danville Public Schools' commitment to improving educational standards and ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed academically. The board's proactive approach in securing funding and adjusting grading policies is expected to foster a more effective learning environment in the years to come.