Watertown School Board Approves Grading Policy After Debate Over Elementary Report Card Achievement Levels

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board on Monday approved several district policies during second readings, including a grading policy that prompted one of the most extensive discussions of the night.

Routine Policy Approvals

Under Item 8.5 — Second Reading of Policies, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen reminded the board that each policy required an individual vote and that no changes were recommended between first and second readings.

The board unanimously approved:

·         8.5.1 — EF Food Service Management

·         8.5.2 — GBED Tobacco‑Free District (deletion of old policy)

o    Danielsen noted this deletion simply removes the outdated version because a new tobacco‑free policy was adopted last month.

·         8.5.3 — IGBI Assignment to Alternative Setting

All three passed without discussion.

Grading Policy Sparks Extended Debate

The meeting shifted when the board reached 8.5.4 — IKA Grading, the district’s standards‑based grading policy for elementary students.

Motion to Add Fourth Achievement Level Fails

Board Member Jean Moulton moved to amend the policy by adding a fourth column to the 3rd‑ and 4th‑grade report card, using descriptors such as excels, exceeds, or above average.

“I move that a report card for 3rd and 4th grade use a fourth column with wording such as excels, exceeds, or above average that recognizes and encourages student achievement,” Moulton said.

The motion failed for lack of a second, but the board proceeded with a lengthy discussion before voting on the original policy.

Moulton: “We could do a better job honoring merit”

Moulton argued that Watertown’s current 1–3 scale places the district behind several others, including Aberdeen, Rapid City, Yankton, Brandon Valley, Huron, Elk Point, Waverly‑South Shore, and two Watertown parochial schools.

Holding up Waverly‑South Shore’s grading system, she said:

“It makes for a motivation that reinforces hard work, improves behavior, enhances academics, directly influences better participation, better scores, deeper understanding of material.”

She added:

“These students will have to compete, and they should learn that their work is valued early. Currently, we only have three levels. Basically, if you score average on something, that’s just good enough. This is a competitive world.”

Moulton also referenced national academic trends:

“In 1979, the United States scored first academically worldwide. We are now 12th in most areas — in math, it’s the worst.”

Other Board Members Push Back

Board Member Roshal Rossman countered that the proposal did not align with standards‑based grading.

“A three is not considered average. A three is mastery — they are proficient in that skill,” Rossman said. “Adding a fourth mark leaves more room for teachers to question what it means.”

Rossman said she contacted numerous teachers and administrators:

“I’ve still gotten zero responses from anyone wanting a four added.”

Board Member Kari Lohr said she would support further study:

“I would be in favor of a task force for discussion.”

Board Member Roshal Rossman emphasized teacher workload:

“One of my goals as a board member is not to make the teacher’s day any harder than it currently is.”

Rossman added that teachers already use comment sections to recognize exceptional work.

Superintendent: A Task Force Could Open Broader Grading Review

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen cautioned that if the board pursues a task force, it should be prepared for broader conversations:

“If we’re going to bother to put in the work… then I think we should be open to other grades or moving it forward.”

Danielsen noted that some high schools — including the largest in South Dakota — use standards‑based grading successfully.

Final Vote: Policy Passes 4–1

Board President Jon Iverson called for a roll‑call vote on the original policy.

Votes were:

·         Bailey Raml — Yes

·         Roshal Rossman — Yes

·         Jean Moulton — No

·         Kari Lohr — Yes

·         Jon Iverson — Yes

The grading policy passed 4–1.

“Okay, so the new policy is adopted,” Iverson said.

Remaining Policies Approved Unanimously

The board then approved the remaining second‑reading policies without discussion:

·         8.5.5 — JHCD Administration of Medications to Students

·         8.5.6 — JHCD‑E Medication Consent Form

·         8.5.7 — JHCDA Student Self‑Administration of Asthma, Anaphylaxis, or Diabetes Medication

·         8.5.8 — JHCDA‑E Authorization Form

·         8.5.9 — JHG Reporting Child Abuse

Each passed unanimously.

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