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Gadsden ISD updates graduation policy to allow caps with approved decorations; principals keep final authority
Summary
The board approved a revised graduation‑exercises policy (IKFB) permitting students to decorate mortarboards within campus‑issued contract guidelines and making campus principals the final approvers for decorations.
The Gadsden Independent Schools Board of Education approved revisions to policy IKFB, which add a requirement that students who participate in graduation exercises wear district‑approved attire and allow students to decorate caps provided decorations follow campus graduation‑contract guidelines.
Superintendent Dempsey presented the second reading of the policy and explained the added bullet requires district‑approved caps and gowns and permits cap decorations that comply with campus contracts. Dempsey said the do’s and don’ts list was drafted with student input and covers approved items (extracurricular recognition, honoring loved ones, college or military identifiers, inspirational quotes) and prohibited items (obscene language, gang symbols, items that could threaten safety, blinking lights or noisemakers).
Trustee Murillo and others raised questions about appeals and who makes final determinations when a decoration is disputed. Dempsey and staff said campus principals have final authority and recommended including an appeals provision in campus graduation contracts so students understand the process and reasons for denials.
Trustee motions carried to adopt the revised policy with the superintendent’s recommended modifications; trustees emphasized that campuses should continue using student review committees and clear contracts to manage approvals. The board directed staff to add an appeal path to the campus graduation contract and to ensure principals and students understand the policy’s application.
