CHERRY TWP — The Moniteau School Board on Monday night approved a change in the grading scale for grades seven to 12.

The new scale is “A” for 90 and above, “B” for 80 to 89, “C” for 70 to 79, “D” for 60 to 69 and “F” for 59 and below.

The current scale is “A” for 92 and above, “B” for 82 to 91, “C” for 72 to 81, “D” for 62 to 71 and “F” for 62 and below.

The district will begin using the new scale for the 2015-2016 school year.

“We’re trying to match our grading system to be comparable to districts around us,” said Lance Fox, high school principal.

“When our students compete against students from other districts for scholarships or academic awards, we want there to be an even playing field,” he said.

Todd Amsler, high school assistant principal, said the change will make it easier for student transfers in and out of the district.

Board member Trixie Heck said, “We hope to help more of our students.”

The grading scale for elementary students will not change.

Brenda Knoll, principal of Dassa McKinney Elementary School, said elementary grades do not have the implications they do for high school students and their grade point averages. Elementary students are not competing for college scholarships.

In other action the board:

Voted to update seven school policies to make them consistent with recent state policy changes for greater background check requirements. As of Dec. 31, 2014, a certification of clearance is required every three years for anyone working with the school district who has contact with children, including unpaid volunteers.

Approved four administrators to participate in a train-the-trainer program on how to respond to an active shooter. In-service programs and online education will be available to all school personnel.

“We’re protecting our kids,” said Superintendent George Svolos. “We want the information we get to be as up-to-date as possible.”