Board updates promotion and graduation policies to align with state law

The board approved revisions to policy 4.603 on promotion and retention that add an exception for certain third-grade students: a third grader who meets performance and assessment criteria may be promoted when the district's universal reading screener shows proficiency (50th percentile) as allowed under state law. The director read the proposed language and said the revision updates prior policy to match state requirements.

The board also adopted revisions to graduation requirements (policy 4.605), adding state-required benchmark options such as the Classic Learning Test for the "Move On When Ready" early-graduation pathway. Both policies were approved on 1st-and-only reading by voice votes; board members asked staff to ensure the updated criteria are communicated to principals and parents.