Dist. 87 considers scrapping class rank

A proposal to eliminate class rank from Glenbard High School District 87, beginning with the 2015 graduating class, is triggering an emotional debate.

Instead of class ranks, the proposal by an ad hoc district committee recommends providing colleges with the highest weighted and unweighted grade-point average for each graduating class.

Supporters say the plan would benefit more Glenbard students by forcing colleges to look at them in a more holistic light.

Eliminating class rank also would give students a greater chance to choose courses they're interested in, supporters said, and eliminate stress that comes with trying to improve a ranking they can't completely control.

“We talked to many experts and we're convinced that this will benefit and increase our students' postsecondary opportunities,” Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Jeffrey Feucht said.

Many other area districts already have eliminated class rank, officials said, including Naperville Unit District 203 and Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200.

One area of concern centers on how much information should be provided on District 87 school profiles. The profiles are sent with transcripts and officials said they would like to add more details, such as information on the courses available at schools and statistics regarding standardized tests and graduation rates.

Some parents also are questioning the timing of the proposal.

Antonette Kipp, who has a daughter in the class of 2015 at Glenbard East, said she is not against eliminating class rank but “don't eliminate it for the kids who are going into their senior year and have planned their 4-year high school curriculum around class rank.”

The district's policy committee will discuss the proposal at 6 p.m. Monday in the administrative office at 596 Crescent Blvd. The committee will send its recommendation to the full school board.