Superintendent outlines grading and promotion policy reforms and launches student advisory council

Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fuhrman updated the board on two proposed policy reforms — grading practices and student promotion criteria — and described plans to bring first‑read drafts to the April work session.

Fuhrman said the grading policy draft will emphasize five core practices recommended as best practices in equitable grading: grades should reflect student proficiency on standards; support a culture of revision; provide timely, actionable feedback; and separate habits of scholarship from academic mastery. She said the district is collecting stakeholder input through principals and the Educator Advisory Council and plans to bring a first reading of the grading policy to the April work session with a second read in May.

On promotion and accountability, Fuhrman said staff are drafting benchmarks and procedures that promote high academic standards, early identification of students who need intervention, and fair, nondiscriminatory approaches to promotion decisions. The district will present promotion benchmark drafts to the Educator Advisory Council and collect school‑level feedback before a first read.

Fuhrman also announced the formation of an inaugural student advisory council. The pilot cohort will include students in grades 7 through 11; students will serve two‑year terms and the first meeting is scheduled for April. The council will provide student perspectives on topics including grading and promotion.

The board did not vote on policy text at the meeting; Fuhrman said the next formal steps are a first read at the April work session, stakeholder feedback and a second read in May.