Committee asked to prioritize a universal grading policy following district audit

Chatham County Public Schools staff said a recent grading audit has prompted work to draft a uniform grading policy and standard expectations districtwide. Chief Academic Officer Derek Butler told trustees the district intends to move from diverse local grading practices toward a common policy informed by the audit. Board members said a universal approach should clarify how teachers convert student work into grades, align grading with proficiency expectations and ensure equitable consequences across schools and classrooms. Trustees asked the district to provide specific, detailed plans for literacy and grading interventions, including frequent data checks and contingency plans for students who remain multiple grade levels behind. One trustee requested a yearlong literacy plan that includes the use of diagnostics and specific responses by cohort and grade level. Committee members emphasized transparency for parents and teachers, asking that the policy include clear communication protocols so families receive regular updates about student progress. Staff said the grading-policy work will continue through the committee and be integrated with the district's accountability and monitoring systems. No formal policy vote occurred at this meeting; staff framed the policy work as an agenda item for further committee discussion and requested the board's feedback on scope and sequencing.