Who Should Walk Up Front for Graduation?

Last week, the South San Francisco Unified School District .

The superintendent has the discretion to allow this under board policies adopted last fall, but until this point the school district has had a firm policy of not allowing students to walk across the stage who haven’t yet earned a diploma.

How does this compare to surrounding school districts?

The Sequoia Union High School District, which includes high schools in Belmont, Atherton, Redwood City and Woodside, doesn’t permit non-graduated students to walk in graduation. The district holds an August graduation for students who earn their diplomas over the summer, according to Deputy Superintendent Francisca Miranda.

In Jefferson Union High School District, which includes high schools in Daly City and Pacifica, it’s board policy not to allow non-graduated students to participate in graduation, according to Sue Cook, the secretary to the superintendent.

According to its board policies listed online, the San Mateo Union High School District, which includes schools in San Mateo, Burlingame and Millbrae, allows the superintendent to exercise discretion in allowing certain students who will complete graduation requirements over the summer to participate in the graduation ceremony. However, mainstream students in this position are typically not allowed to walk, according to district staff.

Related Topics: How do you think the SSFUSD policy compares with surrounding districts?