Dear Members of the Board of Education:

 I am a Virginia resident and a strong supporter of our public schools.  I appreciate the Board's efforts to make graduation rates a priority for Virginia high schools, but given the importance of producing graduates ready for college, work, and life, I'm writing to ask that you take a stronger stand.

I am a retired counselor whose two daughters graduated from Albemarle County high schools a numbers of years ago.  My husband was a teacher and high school administrator and I have taught special education and been a guidance counselor in public schools in Northern Virginia.  I am in favor of measures to encourage schools to support more students in receiving Standard or Advanced Diplomas because I know these degrees have more meaning in the world beyond high school.

 Please increase the target for the graduation index to at least 90 points, OR adjust the graduation and completion index so that it gives schools more points for Standard and Advanced Diplomas and fewer points for all alternative diplomas and other credentials.

 Virginia's students need to receive appropriate supports to reach their potentials, and schools and the Commonwealth as a whole will benefit from incentives to provide the needed supports.

 Thank you for your consideration.  I hope you'll do all that you can to increase the number of students who successfully graduate ready to fulfill their greatest potential.

 Sincerely, Susan Clark