Adams County, Indiana – The Adams Central School Board stood firm on Oct. 14, 2025, when it voted unanimously to eliminate the long‑standing valedictorian and salutatorian honors in favor of a Latin‑styled Cum Laude recognition system. The decision was made without a public explanation after the board had previously tabled the proposal two months earlier.
State advisory opinion raises procedural concerns
Indiana Public Access Counselor Jennifer Ruby issued Advisory Opinion 25‑FC‑348 on July 30, 2026, concluding that the board violated the state’s Open Door Law by discussing the policy during an unposted visitation day on Sept. 9, 2025. The Open Door Law requires that meetings where public business is considered be publicly noticed and accessible.
Community response and board’s rationale
Local residents Jean and Charlie Brune, whose grandchildren attend Adams Central, filed a formal complaint with the state and urged the board to rescind the vote and reopen the process to the public. At the board’s Oct. 13, 2026 meeting, the Brunes asked members to address the state’s finding, but the board took no action.
In a written statement to 21Alive, the board acknowledged the advisory opinion but noted that the Public Access Counselor does not have the authority to compel corrective action. The board emphasized that the policy had also been discussed at several publicly advertised meetings where community input was received.
Superintendent’s recommendation and board vote
Superintendent Aaron McClure had recommended at a Sept. 8, 2026 meeting that board members rescind the Cum Laude decision and table the matter until January 2027. However, a motion by board member Doug Schultz failed to receive a second, leaving the original vote unchanged.
The board maintains that it does not believe the advisory opinion invalidates the policy and that the Cum Laude system better reflects a broader recognition of academic achievement.
What the change means for students
Under the new system, graduating seniors will be eligible for Cum Laude honors based on criteria set by the district, rather than a strict class‑rank ranking. Supporters argue that this approach reduces unhealthy competition and acknowledges a wider range of scholarly effort.
Critics, however, contend that eliminating the traditional honors removes a clear benchmark of academic excellence and may diminish the prestige associated with graduating at the top of the class.
Next steps
The board has indicated that it will continue to monitor the implementation of the Cum Laude system and will consider any further community feedback. No additional public meetings have been scheduled specifically to revisit the Open Door Law advisory, but the board’s regular agenda includes opportunities for public comment.
For families and community members who wish to voice their opinions, the Adams Central School Board encourages attendance at upcoming publicly advertised meetings, where the policy can be discussed alongside other district matters.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
