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Board delays final decision on graduation stoles policy after public comment from National Honor Society
Summary
The Hermiston SD 8 board discussed proposed policy IKFB on May 12, which would codify criteria allowing approved stoles and certain cultural items at graduation. National Honor Society advisors and students urged approval; the board scheduled a second reading and vote at a special meeting Thursday, rather than adopting the policy immediately.
The Hermiston School District 8 Board of Education discussed proposed policy IKFB (graduation exercises) at its May 12 meeting after the item was moved from consent into action. The policy would codify the district’s practice of permitting program‑of‑study stoles and would add language allowing other approved items of cultural or ethnic significance.
Public comment focused on the National Honor Society (NHS). An emailed public comment from Jesse Kirkpatrick and an in‑person statement from Erica Wells, NHS advisor at Hermiston High School, urged the board to allow NHS members to wear NHS stoles at the 2025 graduation and in future ceremonies. Wells described NHS members’ academic and volunteer commitments and said the stole is a symbol of sustained service and achievement: “Wearing the NHS stole at graduation is a way to recognize those who have gone above and beyond,” she told the board.
District leaders described the draft policy language the policy committee prepared. The policy as drafted preserves current program‑of‑study stoles and expands eligibility to include high‑school clubs or organizations that meet specified criteria: membership in a state or nationally recognized parent organization; inclusion of public service, citizenship or character as a membership standard; academic and attendance thresholds (an accumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and an accumulative attendance rate of 90% or higher); and membership in good standing.
Board members discussed process and timing. Some members said they supported the proposed criteria and urged quick action so graduating seniors could plan purchases; others raised governance concerns and emphasized the value of a full two‑reading policy process. Because graduation is imminent, the board sought to balance rapid notice for students and advisors with standard policy procedure. Rather than adopt the policy at the May 12 meeting, members scheduled a second reading and final vote at a special board meeting on Thursday (posted as required) to allow additional notice and an opportunity for other affected clubs or advisors to comment.
Administrative follow‑up the board discussed includes notifying high‑school advisors about the draft policy and the approval process, providing a path for clubs and organizations to apply for approval, and clarifying how administrators will verify the eligibility criteria (GPA, attendance, membership in good standing). The policy committee and district administration said they will prepare the documentation administrators need to accept applications from clubs and organizations.
What happened next: the board did not adopt IKFB on May 12. Board members agreed to hold a special meeting for a second reading and vote (Thursday at 6:30 p.m., posted per notice requirements) and asked administration to notify advisors about the meeting and the application steps for approvals so students and advisors have time to prepare before graduation.
