Overview
- If approved, the change would take effect next school year with a 23-credit graduation floor and a new half-credit financial literacy requirement for incoming freshmen.
- Bedell says fewer required credits would give students room for electives, specialization, or internships, including potential half-day schedules in senior year.
- District leaders cite a roughly 87% graduation rate and argue the shift could help more students finish high school.
- Neighboring large Maryland districts require 22 to 22.5 credits, and officials frame 23 credits as a minimum that many students would exceed.
- Board members broadly back the financial literacy addition, while some public comments and at least one member warn a lower credit bar could encourage reduced time in school.