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Board amends policy 4160 on dual enrollment; staff say change could briefly lower graduation rate
Summary
The Burke County Schools board approved amended language to policy 4160 restricting timing for dual-enrolled students. Staff said it addresses graduation-rate calculations and estimated the change could affect about six students; implementation begins second semester 2025–26 and takes full effect 2026–27.
The Burke County Schools board approved amended language to board policy 4160 on Nov. 3, changing when students may begin dual enrollment to address the district's graduation-rate calculation.
Dr. Oden, presenting the modified language, said the revisions were intended "to address our graduation rate" and reflected earlier requests for clarification. Board members asked whether the change would be immediate; staff said it would begin for the second semester of the 2025–26 school year and take full effect for the 2026–27 school year so students already enrolled would not be unfairly impacted for the current term.
Board discussion focused on whether the change would be applied to students already dually enrolled. Dr. Swan and Dr. Abernathy said staff would identify students who might be affected and notify high school principals. The Board Chair cautioned that the district "is most likely going to take a hit to our graduation rate," and Dr. Swan estimated the short-term impact at "around 6 students, potentially." Dr. Swan explained the reasoning: "They will not obtain enough high school credits from [a] traditional setting in order to be counted as a high school graduate, based on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction standards."
The board voted to approve the amended language. Staff said Kirkpatrick and Dr. Abernathy would begin contacting affected students and high school principals this week to implement the change.
The board directed staff to identify affected students and report back; the board approved the policy amendment by voice vote.
