FAYETTEVILLE -- A series of policy revisions, including a change in the graduation requirements, were approved Thursday by the School Board.
The board added a provision to graduation notifying students who will graduate in 2018 or after they will have to take at least one digital course for credit in order to graduate. That change is a result of a state law passed in the 2013 session of the General Assembly.
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Book Presentation
Steve Clark of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce told the School Board on Thursday the chamber will donate $5,000 annually to the district art program in recognition of the nine art teachers who illustrated a new book about Fayetteville unveiled at Holcomb Elementary School several weeks ago. The book highlights the city and its numerous activities. School Board members received complimentary copies of “Goodnight Fayetteville.”
Source: Staff Report
The new policy states the district will offer one or more digital learning courses through one or more district approved providers as either a primary or supplementary method of instruction.
The courses may be in a blended learning, online-based or other technology-based format.
The requirement to take at least one digital course is in addition to other graduation requirements for the Class of 2018 and beyond. Students who will graduate in 2018 will be freshmen when school starts in August.
Associate Superintendent John L Colbert said the provision topped the list of revisions to graduation requirements. Other changes dealing with conduct were also approved.
A new policy on absences will begin with the start of the new year.
That policy says a student is allowed no more than 12 excused absences in a semester. Parents will be notified by phone and by letter after the student is absent for six and eight days. Parents could face a civil penalty if absences exceed 12 in a semester.
Students with more than 12 absences in a semester may not receive credit for the course missed and risk getting sufficient credits required for graduation.
Each of the policies were approved unanimously by School Board without comment.
Colbert said all of the policy changes will be incorporated in the new student handbook.
The board also welcomed Superintendent Paul Hewitt who said he has been spending his first days on the job meeting staff and getting up to speed on district issues.
He announced a freeze on major expenditures and hiring until a chief financial officer and an accountant are hired for the business office. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, resigned nearly two week ago. Logan Lemaster, director of accounting, left the district about the same time.
Hewitt said he plans to start interviews next week to fill the positions.
NW News on 06/27/2014