Students and parents press Connellsville school board to reinstate class rank; board says process requires formal motion

Dozens of students, parents and community members urged the Connellsville Area School District board on Sept. 16 to restore class rank and the traditional valedictorian and salutatorian recognitions that the board removed in a motion in February 2023.

Students described class rank as an academic and financial tool for college admissions and scholarships. Julian Smith, a student, said class rank “is more than just a number to me. It represents four years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.” Morgan Nicholson, another student, told the board: “Taking away a reason for students to try is taking away the values I believe our school once had.”

The appeals focused on seniors and juniors who said the 2023 change affected their ability to compete for merit-based scholarships and college admission advantages. Parents and community members echoed the students. Jody Mangus, who identified herself as a parent and local judge, said the decision was unfair to the current junior and senior classes and asked the board to “rectify that for them.”

Board members acknowledged the comments but said reinstating recognition requires formal board action. Board member Renzi explained that the February 2023 motion will stand until the board places a rescission or an amendment on a future agenda and secures the votes to pass it: “Not one of us this evening as an individual can say or make any promises… it takes five of us.” Mrs. Driscoll and other board members said they are open to discussing the issue if it is brought back through the appropriate committee or agenda process.

Superintendent Evans and other administrators described the rationale behind the 2023 change as an effort to recognize more students through Latin honors (summa/magna/cum laude) and high school awards rather than naming only the top two students. Evans told the audience that colleges typically review applicants’ full records—GPA, courses, essays, test scores and recommendations—and that many institutions will consider class rank if provided but do not require it.

No board motion to reinstate or to otherwise alter the February 2023 decision was made at the Sept. 16 meeting. Board members said students may still request class rank for college applications and records, but public recognition at graduation remains governed by the 2023 motion until the board votes to change it. Several board members said they planned to discuss next steps in small committee meetings and that any formal change would need to be placed on a future agenda and carry at least five votes to pass.

What happened next: board leaders invited continued dialogue and indicated administrators would meet with board members and stakeholders to determine whether the matter should be referred to a committee (policy, student services or curriculum) for study and possible agenda placement.