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Groton Board to consider ending public class rank; plan would keep valedictorian selection
Summary
The committee heard a proposal to stop publishing class rank, citing student stress; administrators said rank could still be used privately for honors and that percentiles would be shared with colleges as needed. The board agreed to place the item on the March 23 regular meeting agenda for a vote.
School leaders presented a proposal to stop publicly publishing students' class rank at Fitch High School while retaining rank for valedictorian and salutatorian determinations.
Matt (Fitch High School presenter) told the committee that nationally only a minority of colleges use high-school class rank and that many districts have stopped publishing it. "Only 18% of colleges actually look at class rank," he said, and he argued that eliminating public rank would reduce unhealthy competition among students.
Anne Marie said she supported the change and cited national research and local practice trends. Amy (a program leader) framed the move as part of student wellness initiatives and suggested consulting area colleges about percentile thresholds for merit awards so the school can continue to supply needed information to higher education institutions.
Board members asked whether rank could be provided directly to colleges that request it and whether the district would continue to name valedictorian and salutatorian. Presenters said the school would retain the valedictorian tradition and would explore using percentile reporting and targeted disclosures to colleges for scholarship considerations.
The committee reached consensus to forward the proposal to the regular board meeting on March 23 for an official vote, with members requesting follow-up answers about how frequently colleges require rank and whether the district can provide rank on a selective basis.
