Students and parents urge Connellsville board to reinstate class rank, say PowerSchool can compute weighted GPA

Several students, parents and community members used public comment at the Connellsville Area School District meeting to press the board to reinstate class rank and the formal selection of valedictorian and salutatorian.

Robin Charlington told the board she had followed up with school staff and wrote that, contrary to the board’s earlier explanation, PowerSchool was capable of reflecting weighted cumulative GPA. She said she contacted guidance and later was told by Mr. Bosnick that “PowerSchool had been updated with the weighted GPA for all students.” She asked the board to support returning class rank and the selection of top graduates for both the high school and the CACTC.

Students and parents described practical consequences for college applications and scholarship opportunities if class rank or an accurate cumulative GPA are not available. One commenter said Penn State Fayette uses self-reported GPAs and that an incorrect GPA could cost students $1,000–$2,500 in first-year aid. Another parent said some universities use class rank indirectly to determine honors or priority review.

Speakers asked the district to provide accurate, cumulative grade-point averages and to bring the class-rank question to a vote. Board members did not immediately change policy at the meeting; student speakers pledged to continue attending future meetings.

The board did not adopt a policy change during the session; speakers requested a formal vote and further administrative action to ensure cumulative, weighted GPA is available for college reporting.