After a school board meeting earlier today, USD 497 Executive Director of Communications Julie Boyle announced the school board will reduce the number of credits required for students to graduate high school from 23 to 21. The decision follows a request by Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson for officials across the state to make graduation easier in light of school cancellations. 

The decision does not affect core classes, meaning seniors will still need to complete core classes they enrolled in at the beginning of the year. However, the board will now require students to complete two fewer electives than usual.

The temporary provision brings USD 497 graduation qualifications in line with the slightly laxer statewide requirements for the remainder of the school year.

Deputy Superintendent Anne Stubblefield said that USD 497 planned to consult with families to determine a plan of action for juniors who have acquired 23 credits.

Monday also saw teachers meeting with school principals to outline the plan for continuous learning, which will officially begin on March 30.

Link to story on continued education:

Superintendent Lewis outlines continued education