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BURKE COUNTY, Ga. () – Concerns about how grade point averages are calculated have prompted a special meeting of the Burke County Board of Education, drawing in parents, students, and alumni alike.
The primary focus of the meeting was the GPA calculation methods used at Burke County High School, particularly for students participating in dual enrollment programs. District officials noted that a significant portion of the senior class, over half, is engaged in these advanced college-level courses.
Families are increasingly worried that any changes to GPA calculations might affect academic awards, scholarship opportunities, and class rankings, including prestigious titles such as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Board member Ruby Myles admitted there was a mistake in the current system and emphasized the board’s duty to address it while also considering the students’ interests.
“We have identified an error, and it is our responsibility to fix it,” Myles stated. “However, we must also recognize that the students should not suffer for something that wasn’t their fault.”
Myles added that how the district handles the situation could carry legal implications.
“We have to do the right thing because we are being judged, we are being looked at how we make decisions,” she said.
The issue is drawing attention beyond current students and parents.
Burke County High School graduate Logan Coleman said he is concerned about how the changes could affect students—including his own family.
“I know that people’s hopes are up, like valedictorian. They could lose spots, and they could be stressed about writing an essay, graduating, and everything—for them to turn around and not get that chance,” said Coleman.
“And this year, my sister is trying to graduate. She’s had her hopes up and she’s been trying really hard this year.”
Family members of impacted students also voiced frustration over transparency.
Malique Anthony, cousin of senior TyRique Butler—who is reportedly in the running for valedictorian—said the timing of the changes is troubling.
“I would hate for them to hurt him like that and any other students—they shouldn’t be doing that,” Anthony said. “If it’s done, they should wait to do this. They shouldn’t have waited until almost the end of the school year.”
Following public discussion, the school board entered executive session.