Board holds first reading on class‑ranking change that would affect valedictorian eligibility
Summary
The district held a first reading of revisions to the high school class‑ranking policy that clarify valedictorian/salutatorian eligibility, including provisions for students graduating in December; the board approved moving the policy to a second reading in December.
The Oneida Special School District Board held a first reading of proposed revisions to the high school class‑ranking policy at its Nov. 1 meeting and voted to advance the item to a second reading in December.
Staff described the revision as an effort to narrow the number of students who could be named valedictorian or salutatorian and to clarify eligibility for students who graduate in December. A staff member confirmed that students who complete requirements and graduate in December would still be eligible to walk with their class and could be considered for valedictorian or salutatorian status; the transcript includes the exchange: “So they can graduate in December and still be valedictorian? … Yes, ma'am. I mean, as far as if they're graduating, if they graduate in December, they still get a walk if that's what you're asking me.”
Board members moved and seconded the item and, by roll call, set the policy for second reading in December. No roll-call no votes, abstentions or recusals were recorded for the first reading.
Because this was a first reading, the board did not adopt final policy language at this meeting; the record shows the board intends to revisit the item in December for a second reading and possible adoption.
