High school ends policy allowing students to do community service to make up class credit

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — A controversial policy was allowing Winter Springs High School students to do community service to earn back class credits.

The school district put an end to the practice after Channel 9 began asking questions.

Hannah Ward worked hard at Winter Springs High School to get accepted to the University of Florida.

But other students, who missed more than 10 days of class, were given a second chance.

"They need to earn their work," Ward said. "There should be no easy way to get to college."
Sources told Channel 9 that Winter Springs High School was allowing students to do 15 hours of community service to get their credits reinstated.

“That’s not schoolwork. I don’t think it merits getting credit for education,” said Seminole County parents David Ward.

District policy states, "The credit can only be reinstated after the student has successfully made up the hours missed in each class through a scheduled Saturday make up time, in summer school, or after school."

Students can also find time during the school day.

District officials ended the community service option but said that will not negatively impact the students who already did the work.

Winter Springs High School officials allowed the community service option because some students do not have transportation to take advantage of before-and after-school academic opportunities.

District officials said community service is beneficial but agree that it does not directly align to missing time in class.

Cox Media Group