The Pleasant Valley School Board approved a new policy regarding early admission to college. Policy 241 allows students to take for-credit classes at an approved, accredited college and use those classes to fulfill requirements for graduation at the high school. Noncredit classes cannot be taken to satisfy a high school course.

Only students who have completed the regular high school sequence of classes, and have parental approval, may apply for the college classes. The school district will not cover the cost of the college classes.

In order to apply the credits toward graduation at Pleasant Valley High School, the student has to successfully complete the class with a minimum of a 2.0 grade-point average. Then the principal will review the course to make sure it was aligned with the curriculum at the high school. If it is determined to be in line with the curriculum, then the course can be accepted as satisfying the requirement for graduation.

The benefit of taking the college classes while in high school is that the student can begin earning credits toward his or her degree while also fulfilling the high school requirements.

The new acting Superintendent Dr. Charlene Brennan asked the board directors if there were any questions or comment before the vote. There was none. The vote was unanimous in favor of the new policy.

Brennan also announced the second reading for the public for Policy 201 regarding Admission of Students and Policy 209 regarding Health Examinations and Screenings. The board will vote on the policies in December.

Again Brennan asked if there was any comment or questions, but there wasn’t any.

Policy 201 would require that any child entering into the school district for first grade must be 6 years old by the first day of school. If the parents of a 5-year-old thinks the child is ready for first grade but will not be 6 before the first day of school, then they have to demonstrate that the child is ready and ask in writing for the school district psychologist to evaluate the child. The superintendent then must approve placing the child in first grade.

Policy 209 has several amendments to the Health Examinations and Screenings policy.

It was also the first reading for Policy 208 Withdrawal from School and Policy 220 Student Expression and Distribution and Posting of Materials.