Brad Jones, Seaman High School staff, presented proposed changes to the district’s summa cum laude criteria tied to next year’s transition from an eight‑period to a seven‑period schedule.

Jones said the new schedule reduces available semesters and that the proposed criteria were adjusted proportionally. "Currently, we have the 64 semester classes due to 8‑period schedule. So the new proposed will drop down to 56 to adjust to going to the 7 period schedule," Jones said. He explained the change meant students would take fewer courses overall and that the weighted‑course requirement would be reduced "in proportion to the overall schedule change."

The nut graf: the proposed change aims to maintain academic rigor while ensuring students are not penalized by the structural schedule shift. Jones told the board that students aiming for summa recognition would be able to meet requirements with fewer weighted semesters under the seven‑period model.

Board members asked practical questions about fairness and transition: whether juniors and seniors already enrolled in courses would be disadvantaged and why the criteria emphasize AP courses rather than other college‑level options. Jones said administrators reviewed seniors’ records and did not identify students who would be unable to meet the revised criteria, and that staff would address individual cases if they arise.

There was no formal action recorded on the item at the Feb. 10 meeting; the discussion centered on ensuring the proposed formula preserved rigor and equity during the schedule change.