Henry County Board of Education Approves New Community Service Graduation Requirements for Class of 2028 and Beyond

HENRY COUNTY, GA – The Henry County Board of Education developed a new graduation requirement to include community service as outlined in Board Policy IHF(6) and Regulation IHF-R(1).

The new community service component applies to students entering ninth grade in fall 2024 and beyond, beginning with the Class of 2028.

Board Policy IHF(6) outlines programs of study and other State Board of Education (SBOE) requirements students must complete to be eligible for graduation. Henry County Board of Education establishes guidelines and curricula that ensure high school students across the district satisfy SBOE criteria.

The revised policy was first shared at the district’s November 2023 board meeting and made available for public comment. The board based the comprehensive new requirements on a review process that included extensive research and engagement with various stakeholder groups.

“The community service requirement is a response to our community’s voice,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “It supports our efforts to enhance the value of a Henry County Schools diploma and increase access to postsecondary opportunities. The new requirement is also a reflection of our board’s belief that students should contribute to Henry County through service and also aligns with our mission to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.”

Students graduating as part of the Class of 2028 and subsequent classes must earn 23.5 units of credit, which include 0.5 units or 20 hours of community service. Guidelines related to the new community service requirements include the following:

• HCS students should start planning for community service hours before completing eighth grade.
• Students may start earning community service hours after completing eighth grade.
• Students may meet community service requirements by participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities and athletics, as well as through civic, community, and faith-based organizations.
• The Office of the Superintendent will recognize graduating seniors who have earned more than the required 20 hours of community service.
• In removing barriers to meeting the requirements, HCS will also provide opportunities for students to satisfy their community service hours on campus.
• Students will enter details about their community service activities through the Infinite Campus portal, where parents and guardians can also monitor progress.
• Students who do not meet the community service requirement and are not eligible for an exemption will receive an incomplete on their transcript and will not be eligible to graduate or receive a Henry County Schools diploma.

“Henry County Schools truly prioritizes community engagement,” said Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “Our new community service requirement is another opportunity to strengthen partnerships across Henry County and enable our students to learn more about and contribute to their community. We are nurturing well-rounded citizens, and by equipping students with college, career, and life skills, this requirement also advances the district’s vision to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student.”

Visit the district’s website to learn more about Regulation IHF-R(1), which establishes guidelines and requirements for completing community service hours, including exemptions and approved partners and activities through which students can fulfill the requirement.

Families may contact their school’s College and Career Readiness Coach for more information.