At its July 21 meeting, the Smyrna Board of Education considered a revision to its grading policy, including a potential change to the way that Advanced Placement high school courses are weighted.
Under the current policy, college prep courses have a weight of 1.03 for determining class rank, honors courses have a weight of 1.05, and A.P. courses have a weight of 1.06.
The proposed change, which would be effective for the class of 2014, would increase the weight for A.P. courses to 1.07 if the A.P. exam is completed.
The board voted 5-0 to accept the first reading of the policy change.
The increased weight for A.P. courses was originally suggested by former student board member Emiley Conboy, who graduated this year with Smyrna High’s class of 2010.
Hearing procedures for expulsions renewed
In other action, the board voted to continue its current expulsion procedure.
Board President Ron Eby explained that during the past year, the district’s expulsion hearings were held by a hearing officer who then presented the information to the board.
Those rules were in effect for one school year, and they were set to expire unless renewed by the board.
After discussion, the board voted 5-0 continue having a hearing officer hear the expulsion cases and then report to the school board, which can choose to approve or overturn the recommendation.
Next meeting
The Smyrna Board of Education is scheduled to meet Wednesday, Aug. 18 at the District Office, Monrovia Avenue, with a work session at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.
