Board discusses new 'incomplete' grade policy tied to reteach sessions; staff to refine wording

The Fountain Hills Unified School board spent substantial time discussing a draft policy that would record an 'I' (incomplete) grade for students who fail to attend assigned reteach sessions.

Speaker 7 presented a compilation of language from other districts (Gilbert and Scottsdale) and described a proposal that ties incomplete grades to missed reteach assignments and a four‑week window in the following grading period for resolution. "So it's specifically talking about the session that they're assigned for," Speaker 7 said, explaining that reteach is assigned week to week.

Board members queried how the policy would interact with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and English language learners (ELLs). Speaker 6 asked whether the policy explicitly references IEP accommodations; Speaker 4 responded that staff always accommodates IEPs and agreed to add clear language to the draft. Speaker 3 raised that ELL students sometimes receive 'S' or 'U' marks and asked whether pass/fail options would remain available; Speaker 4 said 'pass' remains an option but staff prefers instruction aimed at bringing students to grade level.

Staff described parent‑notification procedures (email notices about assigned reteach and follow‑up emails when students do not attend) and potential makeup opportunities such as Saturday sessions and bus transportation to encourage attendance. Board members asked staff to refine wording so the policy clearly states time frames (the four‑week window) and IEP compliance, and to return the edited policy for possible action.