The Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) currently uses the grading scale: 94-100 = A = 4.0 pts 86-93 = B = 3.0 pts 78-85 = C = 2.0 pts 70-77 = D = 1.0 pts < 70 = F = 0.0 pts with plus and minus gradations that do not count toward the GPA. While LCS uses a 10-point scale for its AP and Dual Enrollment classes, all regular and advanced courses currently use the stricter scale. Recently, numerous school districts from many states, including Virginia (e.g., in Roanoke, Albemarle, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Manassas), have decided to switch to the standard 10 Point Grading Scale, the most common scale in the United States. We, the undersigned, urge the Lynchburg City School Board to adopt the 10 Point Grading Scale, effective Fall 2009, defined as: 93-100 = A = 4.0 pts 90-92 = A- = 3.7 pts 87-89 = B+ = 3.3 pts 83-86 = B = 3.0 pts 80-82 = B- = 2.7 pts 77-79 = C+ = 2.3 pts 73-76 = C = 2.0 pts 70-72 = C- = 1.7 pts 67-69 = D+ = 1.3 pts 63-66 = D = 1.0 pts 60-62 = D- = 0.7 pts < 60 = F = 0.0 pts and to continue to provide a 0.5 point weight for each Advanced class and 1.0 point weight for each AP/Dual Enrollment class. We believe this change will not only enable our students to more fairly compete for college admissions, honors programs, and merit scholarships, but it will also encourage LCS students to take more challenging courses.