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Roseburg student urges weighted GPA; board asks district to study proposal
Summary
A Roseburg High School student asked the board to adopt a weighted GPA system to encourage students to take more rigorous courses; the board directed the superintendent to work with the principal and the student to return with information.
Spencer Bingham, a Roseburg High School senior, asked the Roseburg School Board to consider adopting a weighted grade point average to give extra value to more challenging courses such as AP and honors classes.
"Students should not be plagued with this extreme self‑induced fear and anxiety," Bingham said, describing how concerns about preserving a perfect GPA discourage students from enrolling in rigorous coursework. He told the board he had compiled research and shared it with Superintendent Cordon for review.
Bingham argued a weighted GPA would reward rigor and reduce the psychological pressure that leads some students to avoid more demanding classes. He also cited economic context for some students, saying the average household income for many students at Roseburg High School is about $27,000, and that exposure to more challenging classes can broaden college and career prospects.
Board members asked questions after the presentation. Chair Minor noted the request was not before the board for a vote and said, "this is not something we vote on right now, but it would be great if the superintendent would work with Principal Vickrey and with Spencer to get some information for us and then bring it back to the board." Superintendent Cordon agreed to coordinate follow‑up with Principal Vickrey and Bingham.
Board members expressed support for further study and requested staff return with research on the effects of weighted GPAs, possible models other districts have used, and implications for transcripts, class ranking and college admissions.
The student presentation and the board’s direction will be revisited after district staff and school leadership compile the requested information.
