Baraboo High School seniors will be required to complete a portfolio and exit interview before receiving their diplomas.
The Baraboo School Board approved the new graduation expectations Monday despite reservations from several board members.
While they agreed the experience would benefit students, staff and community members, critics said withholding diplomas from non-willing participants is “onerous” and could lead them to record false information throughout the process.
“There are a lot of kids just busting their butts trying to get their diploma,” said board member Sean McNevin. “I think there might be an opportunity where some kids aren’t, or can’t or don’t participate, and withholding the diploma almost seems punitive over something like this.”