A Message to Our Families About Recent District Policy Changes 📢

8/28/2025 2:44 pm

Here's a summary of the updates the GCISD school board passed August 25, 2025

This new policy now requires that class rank be included on the transcripts of every student, not just those in the top 10%. We understand you may have questions, and we're here to explain what this means and why it's a concern for many in our community.

This change will first affect the Class of 2030. Many believe it could affect a student’s future college opportunities, especially when it comes to admissions and scholarship applications. Previously, the district only disclosed a student's class rank if they were in the top 10%, as required by Texas law.

Now, every student will be ranked, regardless of their standing.

Several community members have expressed concern directly to District leadership and Trustees, and it sounds like there will be opportunities to review the difference between our policy’s wording with possible changes coming from the State legislature. 

Why is this Change Happening?

This change isn't a state requirement. Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.026 and a new law, Senate Bill (SB) 1191, only require districts to disclose class rank for students in the top 10%. SB 1191's main purpose is actually to create a standard way to calculate GPAs across Texas. This is to ensure students who take different types of challenging courses like AP, IB, and dual credit classes are graded fairly and consistently.

The new policy to rank every student goes beyond what the law requires and is a local decision by our school board.

Potential Impacts for Children in Class of 2030 and younger

The decision to rank all students has several potential negative consequences. Here are some of the key concerns:

  • College Admissions: A student's GPA alone often looks impressive. For example, a student with a GPA of 4.18 might be a strong applicant. However, if their transcript also shows they are ranked 210 out of 420 students, it might make them look less competitive to a college admissions officer. The new policy could put our students at a disadvantage compared to students from other districts that only rank the top 10%, like Highland Park, Carroll, Coppell, and Frisco.
  • The AVID Program: Our district has long supported the AVID program, which aims to prepare all students for college and careers. The new class rank policy could undermine this mission. It might discourage students from taking elective courses that interest them and help them grow into "self-regulated learners" and "global citizens." Instead, students might feel pressured to only take classes that boost their class rank, potentially limiting their academic and personal growth.
  • Increased Student Stress: Many believe this policy will add unnecessary stress to our students. The focus could shift from learning and personal development to a single number—their class rank. This goes against our district's mission to "promote good citizenship and prepare, motivate and encourage each student to reach his or her full potential."