Haddon School Board Faces Community Concerns Over Grading Scale
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent gathering of the Haddon School Board, community concerns over the existing grading scale took center stage, with several community members voicing the potential disadvantages it poses for students in college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Alongside these discussions, the board addressed a range of topics from the upcoming budget and bond referendum strategies to charitable initiatives and enrollment dates for preschool and kindergarten.
The issue that resonated most during the public comment section was the current 7-point grading scale utilized by the district’s schools. Community members highlighted the challenges faced by students when their GPA is not recalculated to a 4.0 scale by colleges, potentially placing them at a disadvantage compared to students from districts with a 10-point grading scale. One parent emphasized the direct impact of the grading scale on college admissions and the potential financial strain it could cause for families, as scholarships could become less accessible. Another community member supported a transition to a 10-point grading scale, arguing it would level the playing field for students and mitigate the financial impact on families. Calls were made for the board to revisit the research conducted in 2017 on this issue and to take prompt action to address these concerns.
While the grading scale issue captured attention, the superintendent provided an update on the imminent budget submission and the strategies planned for promoting the upcoming bond referendum. A bond campaign was outlined, though specific details of these strategies were not disclosed in the summaries provided.
The student representative reported on various charitable initiatives and events, highlighting the active engagement of students in community-oriented projects. Additionally, the Visual and Performing Arts Department shared updates on their recent activities and events.
The finance and facilities committee discussed the addition of special counsel in relation to the bond question, approving various items. The instruction and programs committee reported on the schedule for tutoring grants and district in-service activities.
The meeting also included the announcement of important dates for preschool and kindergarten enrollment. Although no items required approval in the personnel section, discussions did take place regarding policy implications stemming from the previous month’s executive session, as well as updates related to personnel in context with the bond referendum.
In other procedural matters, an ad hoc committee meeting was scheduled, and there was a commendation extended to the pre-K staff for their successful hosting of an information night for parents. The session was brought to a close following a motion that was agreed upon by the board members.
Carla Bittner
School Board Officials:
Renee Billingsley, Marie Dezii, Kellie Hinkle, John Kendall, James Lex, David Ricci, Allison Rodman, Kristyn Souder, Isis Williams
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/18/2024
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Recording Published:
01/19/2024
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Duration:
28 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Camden County
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Towns:
Haddon
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