Board updates graduation requirements, permits cultural regalia at ceremonies

The Centennial School Board on May 14 adopted revisions to graduation requirements (policy IKF) and a related policy (IKFB) clarifying that students may wear Native American items of cultural significance and other cultural regalia at graduation ceremonies.

Superintendent James Owens said the updated IKF policy aligns district requirements with current state rules and adds a 0.5 credit for higher education and career‑path skills, a 0.5 personal finance credit and 0.5 civics credit consistent with state requirements. The policy also uses the term “certificate of attendance” to replace older terminology and provides flexibility for English learners to demonstrate proficiency in their language of origin under Division 22 rules.

On ceremony regalia, Principal Marin Miller described current local practice and how the policy formalizes it. “To celebrate culture, you'll see we call it stoles… neck pieces, necklaces… But when it comes to ropes, the where we sort of draw the line just because of uniformity,” Miller said, explaining the district’s practice of permitting cultural stoles, military insignia for service members and allowing Native American dress in some cases while maintaining robe uniformity for most items.

Board members asked about caps with political messages and how staff handle disruptive items. Miller said staff perform dress rehearsals and scan caps to ensure nothing is distracting or obstructs others’ views and that decisions are made case‑by‑case. One board member urged the district to develop clearer guidance for political messages versus prohibited speech, noting the difference between protected student expression and hate speech.

Both policy updates were approved by the board. District staff said they will continue to refine ceremony guidelines and return with any clarifying language as needed.