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Board hears Orchard Center staff describe why CA flexibility matters for at‑risk students
Summary
Orchard Center administrators and a graduation coach told the board that leniency around credits and CA status helps re-engage students with high barriers to attendance; a district guest urged caution about raising GPA thresholds that could eliminate opportunities.
During discussion of the district’s credit and attendance practices, board members heard testimony about Orchard Center High School’s role as a recovery program for at‑risk students.
One administrator described students who arrive with long absence histories and intensive needs; she said flexibilities that allow teachers to adjust assignments and offer extended time help get those students back into school. She explained that Orchard intentionally permits more leeway so students can re-engage, and that the teacher of record still must document competency: “It still comes down to has the student done the 60% threshold,” she said.
Dave Venzl, a graduation coach at Rogersville Center High School, told the board that removing credit pathways too quickly could close doors for students facing homelessness, family instability, or other acute barriers. “Number 1 is to show up,” Venzl said, arguing that board members balance rigor with opportunities to help students progress.
Board members agreed Orchard’s circumstances differ from Monroe High and recommended staff exclude Orchard from immediate policy changes while compiling data for Monroe High and district-wide CA use.
