COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – SUMTER CO. (WIS) – By a vote of five to three, the Sumter County School District Board has voted to eliminate the minimum grade requirement, meaning students who would not have received a zero under the requirement will now receive that grade.

“What scares me about this policy is the impression that it suggests that you don’t have to do your best.”

The school board voted to repeal the grading policy on Monday, August 12, 2024. The repeal of the grading floor now means that students will receive their actual grade at the end of the first quarter, even if that grade is below 50.

Ralph Canty, chairman of the Sumter County School Board, says that despite the 5-3 vote, most board members were still unsure how they would vote. Canty says he voted to eliminate the policy because he believes it allows some students to take advantage of the system without putting in any effort in class.

“Education should be less about a second chance and more about a privilege,” Canty said. “I believe every student needs to be involved in the educational process.”

WIS asked Canty how the repeal of this policy would affect students who are struggling academically and need additional support through the policy. He urges teachers to pay closer attention to when a student needs support in the classroom, as they may not be receiving support outside of the classroom.

“Some students need more help, more mediation, more moral support,” Canty said. “Our system should ensure that they get more than they need, no matter where they come from.”

Canty says the vote is now final and the repeal of the directive will take effect immediately.

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