Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy Senior Privilege topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Student reps tell Elmbrook board senior‑privilege option (SPO) boosts grades, attendance and behavior
Summary
High school student representatives described the Senior Privilege Option (SPO) and survey results showing most seniors reported improved academics, behavior and attendance; the board asked clarifying questions about GPA thresholds and program history.
Student representatives from Brookfield East and Brookfield Central told the Elmbrook School District Board of Education that the district’s Senior Privilege Option (SPO) appears to help seniors academically and behaviorally, and also encourages attendance among underclassmen aiming to qualify.
“SPO is an opportunity for seniors to leave campus…typically in place of a study hall,” said Jake, the Brookfield East student representative, who summarized results from a 36-student survey shared with the board. “Some examples our students cited…would be studying, taking a break, going to work out, or helping their family run some errands.”
Jake said the district’s most recent eligibility requirements for SPO include completing 12 terms of study and being on track to graduate, meeting a GPA threshold (this year a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and maintaining attendance and behavior standards. Student representative Evan added that the opportunity helps seniors “create their own schedule” and can ease the transition to more independent college schedules.
The student survey results, presented to the board, reported that 92% of respondents said SPO improved academic performance because students had time to finish homework and study during the SPO block. The same percentage—92%—said SPO incentivized attendance because students must meet attendance and behavior standards to retain privileges; 86% of respondents said SPO positively affected behavior by providing outlets for stress reduction and practicing time management.
Board members asked clarifying questions. Board member Sam Hughes asked whether the GPA requirement had changed; Jake said it had been reduced over time—from an initial 3.5, then 3.2 and now a 3.0—“most likely…about accessibility, trying to extend this reward to more seniors,” Jake said.
Students suggested modest program modifications: aligning SPO scheduling with lunch periods so seniors can combine lunch with an SPO block; and building partnerships with local businesses and gyms to offer perks—discounts or internship/shadow opportunities—for students who earn the privilege. Jake and Evan said counselors are already working to customize schedules so seniors can maximize the advantages of specific SPO blocks.
The board did not take formal action on SPO at the meeting; members thanked the student representatives for the presentation and asked staff to continue monitoring program impacts and scheduling concerns.
