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Parent urges board to investigate GPA changes and reconsider graduation venue
Summary
At the March 17 Burke County Board of Education meeting, parent Shaniqua Jordan urged an immediate meeting with the superintendent and board over unexplained GPA changes and criticized the decision to limit graduation tickets and move commencement to an auditorium, asking the board to reconsider venue and improve communication.
Shaniqua Jordan, a Burke County parent, urged the Burke County Board of Education on March 17 to meet with high school parents and administrators to explain recent grade‑point average changes and decisions about graduation seating.
Jordan said administrators were absent from a Feb. 10 parent meeting where parents first noticed GPA declines and that documentation and explanations were not provided before grades were adjusted. "This district has marginalized and undervalued its own community," Jordan said, asking for a follow‑up meeting and a separate town‑hall to provide closure.
Board members questioned whether parents had received the district notice (ParentSquare) about the issue; S3 asked Jordan to provide a copy of her written concerns so the district could "dissect it." Superintendent (S9) and staff said they would review any submitted materials and provide copies for follow‑up. S3 acknowledged the district "missed opportunities to communicate" and confirmed the board would consider the requested meeting.
Jordan also asked the board to reconsider holding the Class of 2026 graduation in the renovated auditorium rather than on the athletic field, citing family attendance limits and emotional strain. She said the current ticket allocation (six per graduate, as reported by Jordan) leaves some extended families unable to attend. Board members responded that logistical and safety considerations factor into venue choices; staff offered to review the graduation plan and provide additional information to parents.
Why it matters: Parents say the changes affect students' academic records and important ceremonies; the board agreed to review the materials Jordan provides and to pursue additional communication with impacted families. The meeting ended with a staff commitment to follow up rather than an immediate policy change.
What happens next: The board asked Jordan to submit her written documentation; staff and the superintendent said they will review and provide a response at a future meeting or an arranged follow‑up session.
