Fox Chapel Area School District administrators may consider revisions to the senior scholars program after some parents said that the system is unfair.

Any changes, however, would not be enacted until next school year, according to school board President, Chip Burke.

"Anytime someone brings a matter before the board, the administration is asked to review the current process," Burke said.

"The process is concluded for 2008 but (superintendent) Anne Stephens and the high school principals will review the criteria and process and determine if adjustments should be made."

The board heard concerns from parents during its meeting Monday night. Parent Bernard Newman complained that the selection process "is broken."

"There are some students not getting the award who have a higher grade-point average than those who are getting the honor," Newman said.

"I think most anyone who's seen the process recognizes there's a problem but everyone's too afraid to make a rash move because it's near the finish line for this year."

Newman said he tuned in to the program because he has a student graduating this year.

Senior scholars are determined by a calculation of grades in unweighted or weighted courses.

The weighted curriculum gives extra points for taking advanced placement classes.

"Because of the complicated system, some students with a higher grade-point average still come out without the award," Newman said.

"Yes I was made aware of it because of my child, but this is not what this is about. It's about a broken system."

Bonnie Berzonski, district coordinator of communications, said the same process and criteria has been in place since 1984.

"At times, parents and students are disappointed when they don't make the cut off because we do have so many highly talented and ambitious students," she said.

"Whenever anything like this is brought to the attention of school board and administration, they'll review it and make a determination as to whether changes should be made for the future."

School board member Joel Weinstein declined to comment.

Members Sandra Garbisch, Karen Mitesser and Joanne Gaus, Sherman Snyder and Bob Mauro were not available for comment.

Board member Fred Leech applauded what he called a forthright, open discussion during Monday's meeting.

"It's always good when members of the community raise issues," he said. "This issue may not have gotten on our radar screens unless it was brought to us.

"We have a long-standing policy but we'll be taking another look at it."

Member Robin Baum commended the parents who brought the matter to the board's attention.

"The fact that they brought it up means we can look at it again," she said.

"We are certainly in compliance and as long as policy is followed, that's the way it is now."

Baum said that because such a large portion of the student body excels, someone will always feel left behind.

"You have to make a cut off point," she said. "We have a lot of high-achieving kids and they are often recognized in different ways. The board is committed to doing the best things for all kids."

Still, Newman said the issue is not one of hurt feelings. Students who have the highest grade-point average should be named scholars, he said.

"The parents who have children graduating next year need to tune into this now," he said.

"I'd rather see them do away with it than have a broken award."