Parkrose board approves one-year waiver to delay new graduation credit requirements until 2028

The Parkrose School District Board of Education on Oct. 16 approved a one-year waiver delaying statewide graduation requirements enacted under Senate Bill 3, postponing the effective date for Parkrose students from the class of 2027 to the class of 2028.

Mister Goodlow, presenting the proposal, said the state law requires 0.5 credit in higher education or career pathways and 0.5 credit in personal finance but provided no accompanying funding. “So what we're asking for is that we can delay this process by another year and start the implementation of these graduation credits for the class of 2028,” he said, noting the district needs time to build curriculum, purchase materials and provide teacher professional development.

Board members raised questions about the timing and potential to accelerate implementation if levy funds are secured. One board member said she would prefer the district to implement sooner if resources allow so current students could benefit; another member asked whether the vote could be postponed until all board members were present. Board discussion focused on logistical impacts to student course pathways and the initial burden the new requirements would place on the current sophomore class.

Unidentified Speaker 3 moved to approve the waiver and the motion was seconded; the board approved the measure by voice vote. The approval delays local implementation until June 2028 for Parkrose students and does not change the state statute itself.

The board will consider schedule and curricular details during future work sessions and return with implementation steps when the district develops a plan and secures necessary resources.

The board adjourned at 7:49 p.m.