Who has the final say if my son goes to the next grade? He is doing great in everything, but reading. He is working on it. His 1st grade teacher wants to hold him back and I think that he has came a long way from where he was just a few weeks ago. Not sure how to go about this. Help please... :)

Have you spoken to the principal at the school?

Yes, a couple of months ago. My son has gotten so much better. Does the school get more money if they hold kids back? (joking) My husband and I had talked about it with the principal and the teacher. They said that next year my son would be at the top of the class. I want to do what's best for my son, but my son wants to go with all of his friends. My son has started a computer program that helps him with reading.

Ask about IEP testing for special classes for reading.
Most schools that I know of will keep a kid with their class and then let them take the LD IEP class for whichever classes they are slower in.

If reading is the only thing that is holding him back then you should tell the principal that you want your son to move ahead. First grade isn't a huge deal. Reading skills can improve over time. I always did bad in reading when I was a child but I progressed throughout school. You should get your son to read books very often. Take him to the library every week and let him choose a book. If you make it fun for him he will be more willing to learn. He might also like a bed time story at night.

I guess at the end of the day, the school board would have the final say,

But I would move him up if he really is improving and if someone is going to work with him all summer

Since he will be having support during the summer, you can always ask to have him re-evaluated at the beginning of the next school year. A decision can be made at that time. Find out what the expectations are for second grade so that you will know what he will be working towards.