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Board moves to continue 'do no harm' policy on Regents for 2026–27 after debate
Summary
Board members heard a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Graham to continue the district's 'do no harm' policy—meaning Regents scores count in course averages only when they help a student—but a trustee, Mr. Shai, voiced opposition saying it reduces accountability.
Superintendent Dr. Graham told the board the recommendation from the curriculum advisory bodies and his office is to continue the district's "do no harm" policy for the 2026–27 school year. He explained the policy means Regents exam scores are included in a student's course average only if they improve the grade; they must still pass Regents to graduate.
Dr. Graham outlined the review process—secondary assessment committee, the Curriculum Advisory Committee, and the superintendent's recommendation to the board—and noted state-level conversations about the New York State Portrait of a Graduate and potential changes to graduation requirements. Trustee Mr. Shai opposed the policy, saying, "I'm still against it. I feel then we're shopping the same way we shop our SAT scores," and arguing the approach could reduce student accountability. The board discussed the issue but did not adopt any new statutory requirement at this meeting.
