Board retreat reaffirms 40-hour community-service graduation requirement, debates equity and tracking

The board discussed community-service requirements for graduation and heard from Kristen, the district guidance counselor and incoming superintendent, that the district currently requires 40 hours for Oregon and district diplomas. "What we've got right now is 40 hours required for graduation at Duffer School," Kristen said, noting students may begin earning hours as freshmen and scholarship rubrics (Jerry Walker) weight service more heavily (full points are nearer 100 hours).

Trustees pressed for clarity about equitable access and whether the hours should be limited by activity type or setting. One board member said, "I'm really hesitant to increase volunteer hours for graduation. From an equity point of view, not all of our students have access," arguing for hardship carve-outs. Staff recommended tightening definitions to distinguish school service from community service, tracking hours earlier (for example, 10 hours per year targets), and developing an appeals or hardship process so students with transportation or work barriers are not denied diplomas.

The board directed scholarship and foundation committees to continue discussing rubrics, and asked administration to propose policy language that protects access while emphasizing quality and outside-the-school experiences. No formal policy changes or votes were taken at the retreat; members said any formal action would be placed on a future open meeting agenda.