Madison-Plains Superintendent Tim Dettwiller (left) and high school Principal Matt Unger (right) congratulate teachers Scott Spohler and Jenny Wethington, who received certified continuing contracts.
(Posted April 22, 2016)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Once again, Madison-Plains Local Schools has tweaked its grading scale.
On April 19, the school board approved a new grading scale that will go into effect with the start of the 2016-17 school year. This scale, which includes a plus/minus system, translates to both a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) as well as a weighted average when student take courses that are weighted.
The district will offer 19 weighted courses next year, and students must maintain at least a C- grade.
The new grading scale applies to all students from grades two through 12.
The main change in the scale is in the B+ section. Now, a score of 87 to 89 is a B+; previously, the range was 88 to 89.
A score of 93 to 100 is an A, worth a 4.0 GPA or, on the weighted scale, a 5.0. A score of 90 to 92 is an A- for 3.67 or 4.67. A score of 87 to 89 is a B+, for 3.33 or 4.33; 83 to 86 is a B for 3.0 or 4.0; and 80 to 82 is a B- for 2.67 or 3.67.
Any score of 59 or below is a failing grade that offers no points.
Board members approved putting the new grading scale in the student/parent handbook to replace the one that called for a 10-point scale.
In other action, two upper-level teachers were awarded certified continuing contracts which, Dettwiller said, recognizes outstanding educators. The recipients were high school drama teacher Scott Spohler and seventh grade social studies teacher Jenny Wethington.
Board members also approved five resignations, three of which are retirements. Larry Kimbler, maintenance supervisor, is retiring after 41 years with the district. Kathy Haines, a teachers’ aide, is retiring after 30 years, and Sharie Shoaf, a guidance counselor, is retiring after seven years. Retirees will be recognized at a luncheon the last day of school.
Also approved was a list of 98 students for graduation.
Stormy Hiram resigned as seventh grade math bee advisor.
“I’ve done that for 19 years,” she said. “This past year, Hayley Elkins was my co-coach. She’s going to do seventh grade next year, and I’ll continue on at the eighth grade.”
The school board’s next meeting is on May 9.
