Board adopts new grading policy, moves to standards-based reporting for early grades

The Township of Union Board of Education approved Policy 26‑24 (grading system) on final reading at its June 16 meeting, moving the district toward standards‑based grading at primary grade levels and updating grading regulations.

Vice President Cohen, who chaired the policy committee, said the grading committee had met since 2022 with roughly 42 people involved over multiple meetings and that the changes align with contemporary research and best practice. "Out of the 42, 31 were UTA members ... there was a lot of feedback given," he said.

Superintendent Dr. Benacquista and other board members described the policy as a multi‑year, collaborative effort and emphasized professional development and parent training. "Tomorrow, we get to work with notifying the entire district, including teachers, parents, families about the new grading policy," one administrator said, explaining planned training in August and September and continuing support through the school year.

Board members who had raised concerns at prior sessions asked for clarity on implementation and communications. The administration said it will provide professional development and "turnkey" training from faculty already piloting the approach and that parent sessions will be held to explain the new standards‑based report cards that will replace traditional letter grades for some early grades.

The board voted to adopt the policy by roll call after discussion; members said they expect follow‑up reports on training, implementation timelines and communications materials for families.

The policy adoption is administrative and does not itself allocate new funding; board members noted the change is intended to improve equity and clarity of student progress without a significant price tag.