The Smith County Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.
At the beginning of the meeting, Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason thanked the members of the school board for their dedication to education in Smith County. Mayor Mason then read a proclamation declaring January 20-26, 2019, School Board Appreciation Week in Smith County.
Notably, the school board also discussed a new policy amendment pertaining to the way that class rank is determined. This discussion begins at 6:20 on the video.
Under the new policy, graduating high school seniors will be acknowledged with a latin system, in the style of most colleges and universities. Seniors will receive these distinctions—summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude—based upon their grade point average.
Rather than eliminate the previous Top Ten system entirely, this new proposal suggests naming a Top Ten based on students’ ACT scores.
Principals and guidance counselors at both high schools in the county have expressed support for the new system, as it will be more transparent, allow a larger number of students to be recognized and receive scholarships, and encourage students to work to increase their ACT scores.
This was the first of two readings of this policy. It is expected to re-appear for final approval during the school board’s next meeting.
The school board also mentioned their upcoming retreat on Thursday, January 17, 2019, where they will discuss their long-term goals for the Smith County school system.
The Smith County School Board will meet again on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at the Central Office in Smith County.
Watch the full video of the meeting below, and subscribe to Smith County Insider’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on meeting coverage, business spotlights, video features, and more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAFcuQDTSK0
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