Baltimore City Schools May Set Minimum GPA For Student Athletes

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Athletes within Baltimore City schools may soon have to hit the books a little harder. The board is considering setting a minimum GPA requirement to participate in school sports, WJZ's Devin Bartolotta reports.

Right now, there is no minimum GPA for student-athletes at city schools. The rule simply says a student can't be failing more than one class. This new rule would raise the bar, albeit minimally, when it comes to academics.

Just as they shine as athletes under the bright lights of a Friday night football game, Baltimore City schools want students to stand out as scholars in the classroom.

"It's time. We need to do this," said Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises.

Dr. Santelises tells WJZ a proposed change in school policy would hold students accountable for their GPA. If they don't make the grades, they won't play.

"I think overall, what we're seeing is when you take overall GPA into account, there is a level of consistency of academic performance that students have to maintain," said Santelises.

The policy would take effect during the next school year, requiring a minimum GPA of 1.75, considered a C-minus, to play. During the 2018-2019 school year, that minimum GPA would rise to a 2.0.

The board says this new rule would better prepare students for college sports. The NCAA currently requires a 2.3 GPA to participate.

"The real question we're facing now is how do we make sure that all of our young people are on that trajectory where athletics and academic excellence go hand-in-hand," said Santelises.

The policy that kids cannot play if they have more than one failing grade will stay in place for this school year.

According to the school district, some athletic directors have expressed concern that this new rule would have a huge impact on the amount of students eligible to participate in sports.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for September 13 at 6 p.m.