HI HCR137

Request that the Board of Education amend its valedictorian designation policy to exclusively recognize students with exceptional academic achievements demonstrated through academic honors, grade point average, and performance in rigorous academic courses.

Current Department of Education policy allows valedictorian designation for students with a 4.0 grade point average who have earned one of the Honor Recognition Certificates, which may include non-academic, career, or technical-based achievements.

Proposed change would limit valedictorian recognition to students achieving academic excellence in core classes (Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science) to reinforce the importance of academic achievement and maintain the title's emphasis on academic excellence.

Direct the Board of Education to review and revise the valedictorian policy to ensure future valedictorians are selected based on exceptional academic accomplishments in core classes and to provide incentive for student academic success.

Require certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Education.