On March 30, Dr. Benny L. Bolden, Jr., the Director for Interdivisional Support Services and Secondary Schools for Leon County Schools, notified students and parents about changes to graduation criteria. The notification addressed a legislative update regarding graduation requirements as outlined by the State of Florida in Florida Statute 1003.4282. Under House Bill 1105 (effective July 1, 2025), the Florida Department of Education has eliminated the Certificate of Completion option for students who meet course credit requirements but do not satisfy standardized testing or GPA benchmarks required for a standard high school diploma. The email noted the information “has been consistently communicated by our high schools; however, we want to ensure clear and direct district-level correspondence to all students and families regarding this important change.” This legislative update directly impacts both graduation eligibility and participation in graduation ceremonies. Effective immediately: Students must meet all state-required criteria—including required course credits, cumulative GPA, and standardized assessment benchmarks—to earn a standard high school diploma. Students who do not meet these requirements by the end of the school year will not be permitted to participate (“walk”) in graduation ceremonies. Students may continue working toward meeting diploma requirements beyond the school year and will have the opportunity to participate in a combined summer graduation ceremony once all criteria have been successfully met. The email informed parents that the “district and school-based teams are actively working with seniors and their families to review academic progress, testing requirements, and any remaining obligations to ensure alignment with this new state law.” ...read more read less