Preston committee reviews new report card format and 50% minimum grading practice

Courtney Ennis, committee member, called the Preston Public Schools Board of Education Communications Committee to order on Oct. 28, 2025 and led discussion of the district's new report card format and grading practices.

Principal Chris Pickett said staff are adjusting to the new report cards and have been providing guidance on grading expectations. Committee members asked for documentation of key decisions; Ennis requested the materials used to justify a practice that students cannot receive less than 50% as a grade. Dr. Roy Seitsinger, district staff, said the committee was told grades below 50% can have harsh effects on a student's overall grade.

Nicole Serra, committee member, pressed for clarity on how the social-emotional portion of the report card will be calculated and who is responsible for computing final grades. According to committee discussion, staff described ongoing conversations and feedback and said they plan to add more direction and detail for the social-emotional category.

Committee members also discussed operational issues that affect grading consistency: Preston Public Middle School (PPMS) is considering creating an honor roll, some eighth-grade students are not yet using PowerSchool, and members asked whether professional development would be provided to standardize practices across schools. Dr. Seitsinger said he will re-issue a letter to parents before report cards are distributed, similar to a communication sent at the start of the school year, to provide additional insight.

The committee did not take a formal vote on grading policy and identified further follow-up and documentation as next steps for staff.