Board adopts updated Student Bill of Rights after student-led process and public questions about grading practices

The Orange Unified School District board unanimously adopted an updated Student Bill of Rights that student board representatives drafted and refined with input from more than 1,500 students across the district.

Student representatives summarized a yearlong process of survey work and campus discussions to modernize the 1988 document. The updated rights restate commitments such as the right to a state-standard curriculum, to learn at a level and pace appropriate to ability, to access supports from teachers and counselors, and to clean, safe facilities. "It will be our guide for the adoption of board policy, direction to staff, and allocation of district resources," a student representative told trustees.

Public commenters praised the student work but also raised practical concerns. Several parents asked the board to ensure the bill does not become merely aspirational and to address concrete problems they say persist in classrooms — notably the grading and use of the i‑Ready diagnostic tool. One parent said the district substantiated a complaint that i‑Ready had been inappropriately graded and requested that site staff stop grading the program districtwide. Board members and staff acknowledged the concern and stated that operational follow-up will be needed; the superintendent and staff pledged to provide clarifying information about how i‑Ready will be used and reported.

Board members praised the student effort and passed the item 5–0. Trustees said the bill reflects student priorities and asked staff to make any necessary policy clarifications so that the rights result in actionable guidance rather than unsupported statements.