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District proposes aligning graduation requirements with state; plans to drop local internship and tech credit
Summary
District staff presented proposed revisions to policy 5460 to align Columbus City Schools with state graduation requirements: reduce local credit tally from 22 to 20, remove a district technology credit and a 120‑hour internship requirement, and rely on state and local graduation seals.
District leaders presented proposed revisions to graduation policy 5460 on March 17 to align Columbus City Schools' requirements with 2023 changes in state graduation expectations.
Dr. Brian Morton, director of K‑12 teaching and learning, said the plan retains the three‑part state framework for a diploma — credits, competency and readiness — but recommends reducing Columbus's local credit requirement from 22 to the state minimum of 20. Nic Cassell (metriculation specialist) said proposed changes would remove the district's separate technology credit and 120 internship hours requirement as redundant with state seals and pathways while preserving a half credit in financial literacy and one credit in fine arts. Nick Cassell said students still would earn five elective credits (including the financial literacy half credit) and could pursue state or local seals for readiness.
Dr. Zach Duberstein and counselors explained the changes aim to increase flexibility and access, letting students choose elective coursework aligned to their post‑secondary goals. The board discussed how courses that once fulfilled the removed local requirements will still exist as options to meet state seals, and a board member asked about the change from "shall" to "may" for adult diploma language; staff said they would research and report back.
This was a presentation and first read; the board did not adopt final policy text at this meeting. District leaders said they will notify students, staff and families and plan implementation timelines if the board approves the change in a later meeting.
