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By Pam King

Madera High senior Vicki Cilia addresses the Madera Unified School District Board of Trustees in hopes of walking with her class at graduation ceremonies.

Photo by: Pam King

The MUSD board explains circumstances preventing students from participation in the graduation ceremony.

Photo by: Pam King

The Madera Unified School District's Board of Trustees voted at a recent board meeting to deny 37 students who have completed the school's criteria for graduation but didn't pass a portion of the state exit exam the right to walk with their class in graduation ceremonies.

The district's board room was filled to capacity, leaving some guests spilling over into the halls of the district office as outraged students and their parents pleaded with the board to reconsider their position.

With tear-filled eyes, students said although graduation ceremonies are a privilege they are also a right, some with grade point averages of 3.8, have earned.

As Dr. Michael Young, director of learning for the district, gave his report on exit exam results, a translator was required for parents in the audience.

"I never imagined that I would not be allowed to walk with my class," Madera High School senior Vicki Celia said. "Please reconsider your decision and let us walk, we have earned the same opportunity as the others."

Young said 25 students failed the English portion of the test, eight failed math, and four students failed both sections. He then outlined the tutoring programs available to students to prepare for the upcoming testing dates in May and July.

"The test has a 350-point benchmark to pass and several students were above 345, but did not hit the benchmark," Young said. "A partnership with parents is critical for success."

Following the public hearing Trustee Mike Westley reminded the board of the reasoning behind their decision.

"I believe our discussion on this matter was that we wanted to drive home the importance of passing the exit exam," he said. "It wasn't an easy decision, but it was an important one."

"I believe that if you don't have that high expectancy you lose the desire. I think we're losing ... what life is all about," Board Clerk J. Gary Adams added.

Concerned citizen Isabell Peralta addressed the board suggesting they let the students walk.

"College students are allowed to walk before completion of all requirements," she said.

MUSD Superintendent Dr. Julie O'Kane suggested a second graduation ceremony be scheduled for sometime during the summer combining it with students that did not complete all requirements, but would do so over the summer session.

"These students have traditionally not been allowed to walk," she said.

Young agreed that the idea was a viable option.

"It would also help with students that find out at the last minute that they didn't pass a subject," he said.

Students and parents, however, were not satisfied with the prospect and said the board was robbing them of their dream to walk with their class.

Despite student protests that other districts were allowing certificated students to participate in ceremonies, the board voted unanimously to maintain their position not to let the students walk.

Asked what she thought about the decision, Madera High School senior Maribel Martinez wiped the tears from her cheeks and said, "It's just not fair."