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Student asks board to rework GPA calculator; parent urges stronger anti‑bullying action
Summary
A William Tennant student told the board Tennessee's GPA calculator produces lower GPAs than neighboring schools and asked the district to adopt a more traditional method. A parent described chronic middle‑school bullying and urged concrete steps—more adult supervision and supports—to change school culture.
Two public‑comment speakers addressed student competitiveness and school climate at the Centennial School District meeting Dec. 9.
Isabella Catalano, a tenth grader at William Tennant High School, told the board she discovered the district’s GPA calculator produces lower reported GPAs than neighboring schools and internship/college systems that rely on a numeric GPA. "If I were to score a 95 in an academic class at William Tennant, that class would have give me a 3.75 contribution to my GPA," she told the board, contrasting that with other area schools where a 95 would equate to a 4.0. Catalano asked the district to "examine our GPA calculator and choose a more traditional calculator" to prevent students from appearing less competitive for internships and college admissions.
Nicole Abbey, a Southampton parent speaking for her eighth‑grade daughter, described persistent bullying that affects students’ attendance, behavior and mental health. Abbey urged the board to move beyond policies on paper and to ensure adults are equipped to respond, proposed additional adult supervision and recommended the district listen to students’ suggestions for changes to school climate.
Board members thanked both speakers and administrators said staff (including Dr. Zach and other administrators) would look into the GPA calculation and follow up with the student. The board also said a staff member would reach out to the parent to discuss bullying concerns and supports.
Next steps: administrators committed to follow up with the student and family with more information and to return to the board with findings or proposed policy/staffing responses as appropriate.
