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District outlines diploma options and sets a rapid stakeholder survey on a diploma of distinction
Summary
District staff proposed three diploma options — keep 24 credits, raise to 27–28 credits, and a separate diploma of distinction — and asked the board to authorize a short Qualtrics survey plus limited focus groups to collect parent and student input before returning Oct. 7.
District staff presented options for changing high‑school graduation recognition and asked the board to authorize a quick round of stakeholder input, including a parent and a student survey and targeted focus groups.
Dr. Hall (district academic leader) laid out three primary options: leave the current state minimum (24 credits) in place; raise the district graduation requirement to 27 or 28 credits by adding elective credits; or create a district “diploma of distinction” that would recognize students who earn additional credits or meet a GPA threshold. She emphasized any change would take effect at the earliest for the graduating class of 2030 so no student currently enrolled would be disadvantaged.
Staff proposed short Qualtrics surveys for parents (grades 7–12) and high‑school students, and a separate student focus‑group outreach through student government (SBO) classes. The draft survey asks respondents for background familiarity, preference among the options, perceived benefits and concerns, and what would make a distinction diploma meaningful (for example, GPA thresholds such as 3.0 or 3.5). Dr. Hall said the district would translate the parent survey into Spanish at minimum and, if timing allows, additional target languages.
Why this matters: raising credit requirements or establishing a district recognition could affect student scheduling, opportunities for internships, early graduation, or students in IB and special education programs. Trustee Annie Romano and others said their constituencies — including English learners and students with disabilities — are concerned that higher credit minimums could create barriers.
Board comments and next steps: trustees generally supported gathering broad input before deciding. Trustee Ryan Jensen said he was inclined to favor a district diploma of distinction rather than raising the base credit requirement. Dr. Hall said staff could open the parent survey as soon as Sept. 19 and the student survey via Canvas on Sept. 22 and bring results back to the board on Oct. 7.
The board gave staff direction to finalize the survey language (including a small edit to align student and parent GPA questions), proceed with Spanish translation at minimum, and coordinate student focus groups with SBOs. Dr. Hall said the district would adjust the survey wording to reduce bias and present results and recommended language at the next board meeting.
