Class rank nixed once and for all by District 207 school board

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Updated: February 13, 2012 9:02AM

Maine Township High School District 207 students will no longer be ranked numerically among their classmates starting next school year.

School board members voted 4-2 to eliminate class rank at a regular board meeting on Jan. 9.

In June board members voted to eliminate class rank, but wanted students to still have the option to put their rank on their college transcripts if they wished.

But the online template, the Common Application, caused other complications, so there was no middle ground — rank would either have to remain on all transcripts or be eliminated.

In September the board reinstated class rank for the duration of the year.

“I think class rank is important,” said Board Member Eric Leys, who voted against eliminating it. “I think it’s something that students need to own.”

Leys said his overall concern with eliminating rank is that it eliminates an academic indicator that is available to students and their families.

Board Member Edward Mueller also voted against eliminating class rank. In a written statement he explained that he felt rank is valid information for students, parents and college-admissions offices. He also felt class rank helps students select the right college and helps deserving youngsters receive scholarships.

“It appears to me that maintaining student rank hurts some students,” said Board Member Eldon Burk, who voted to eliminate rank.

Barbara Dill-Varga, assistant superintendent for curriculum, explained at past board meetings that class rank has had a negative impact on some students when applying for universities and colleges. Dill-Varga explained that some students may be ranked lower because they attend more competitive high schools, and other students with higher class ranks at less-competitive schools would have a better chance of getting into the same college.

“I wish our solution from last year had worked,” said Board Member Margaret McGrath, referring to eliminating class rank but giving students the option to put it on their transcript if they felt it would benefit them.

McGrath voted in favor of eliminating rank, saying she supports the concept of because she feels the district should be as transparent as possible, but she can’t support keeping it if it hurts some students.

“I don’t think we should be disadvantaging anyone,” she said.

Several local high schools have eliminated class rank and others plan to do so in the near future.