Ludington board approves distinct Oriole Academy diploma

The Ludington Area Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Nov. 17 to establish a separate Oriole Academy diploma for students who complete that program's graduation requirements.

The vote followed an earlier informational presentation from Oriole Academy Director Kyle Fiebig, who provided an overview of the program and its requirements. Student Government Mayor Taylor Andersen also delivered a brief update on student activities in the district during the special presentations portion of the meeting.

The motion to create the distinct diploma was made by Board Member Mike Winczewski and supported by Stephanie Reed; the motion carried 7-0. The board recorded the action as separate from the Ludington High School diploma in order to formally recognize students who complete Oriole Academy requirements.

Board materials indicated the Oriole Academy diploma will be awarded to students who satisfy the program's stated graduation criteria; the minutes do not list implementation timelines or changes to transcript notation. The board did not debate alternatives on the record and no amendments to the diploma language were recorded during the meeting.

The board's action completes the formal establishment; any administrative steps to update diploma templates, transcripts or commencement materials will be handled by district staff in follow-up, according to the agenda and meeting minutes.