The Northwestern Lehigh School District held a workshop meeting on November 6, 2024, to discuss key agenda items, including a generator bid for the middle school and proposed changes to the grading scale for grades 4 through 12.

The meeting began with a discussion on the generator bid, which is intended to support the new sprinkler system at the middle school. The current generator, over 30 years old, is deemed inadequate for the new requirements. The proposed generator will not only power the fire pump but also support additional life safety items, including heating systems, to prevent freezing during power outages. The board will seek approval for this bid in two weeks.

Following the generator discussion, the focus shifted to the grading scale. The district is considering a transition from a 7-point grading scale to a 10-point scale. This change aims to align with collegiate standards and reduce student stress associated with achieving high grades. The presentation highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of both grading systems, emphasizing that while a 10-point scale may alleviate pressure on students, it could also lead to concerns about academic rigor and grade inflation.

Data collected from surveys of students, teachers, and parents indicated strong support for the 10-point scale, with 76.5% of students and 82.4% of parents favoring the change. Many respondents expressed that the current 7-point scale creates undue stress and does not accurately reflect their efforts. However, teacher opinions were more divided, with 67% supporting the 10-point scale but concerns about maintaining academic standards.

The meeting concluded with a recommendation to further explore the implementation of the 10-point scale, addressing key questions such as the passing grade threshold and the impact on middle school grading practices. The board plans to continue discussions and gather more feedback before making a final decision.