[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6670953,"mediaKeyId","2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c","parentId",2171715,"title","School committee adopts new competency determination policy to replace MCAS graduation requirement","audioSeconds",363,"startMs",6959000,"endMs",7322000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c&start=6959&end=7322","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c/thumbnail_6959000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6670953/Massachusetts/School-committee-adopts-new-competency-determination-policy-to-replace-MCAS-graduation-requirement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670953-22728b08491b31162c1c5f8faffa4c6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775557438&Signature=Dd03UgARuS-d9KZpItiH~qHcQCHUex0dtttCSd6qZXQQbssud2bp5pRvsyRl3T~U4dkOwiawYFJ-twlm1l7zzyZ33jIiMFJHxjOJVv8erdreL3LLp1rp1hDiLcu7VZ6vGr9435TGdg-jsp~bf5rP80XaqUEHkDwlWR6ojJ7OELKhFXpbJPq4z61CUClNfNxj0T-cV1iZ8YsgcEqhXqIP5BZY0ce1OdW1dAtyttcaHfIhDIiUizu48mseF9EvcGXNFspIIS5q1fFSPUlb0K2b2b635Z6YdNaxIh77~CmNeEcjg20hqjJ3pZqzkxs1KvLYpW7F4FUZREy9urNip215kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Woburn Public Schools, MA","date","2025-01-31T03:12:03.293Z","article","The Woburn School Committee voted Jan. 30 to adopt a revised graduation requirements policy (IKF) establishing a new competency determination to replace MCAS as the statewide graduation metric.

Background: Committee member Andrew Lipsett said state legislation ending MCAS as a graduation requirement requires districts to create alternate competency determinations. Curriculum and high school staff drafted policy language to align district credit requirements and to define a competency determination through course equivalencies and other measures.

Policy details: The revised policy uses tenth-grade'level equivalencies for competency determination in English and math and allows for algebra/geometry course equivalencies and science benchmarks consistent with the intent of the former MCAS framework. The policy preserves procedural safeguards: panel reviews and alternative pathways for students who are exceptions or special cases.

Procedure and retroactive diplomas: Committee discussion noted that districts must also work out procedures for retroactive diplomas for prior cohorts; administrators said staff are developing a process and will coordinate with surrounding districts and the state for consistency.

Vote and procedure: The committee first voted to suspend the normal policy-adoption timeline and then adopted policy IKF at the meeting. Members said parents and affected students would receive communications and that curriculum staff would follow up with procedure details for implementation.

Ending: Committee members asked for additional follow-up from the curriculum subcommittee on implementation details and timing for communications and retroactive diploma processing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Woburn School Committee 1/30/25","oneSentenceSummary","The committee suspended normal rules and adopted a revised graduation policy (IKF) establishing a competency determination based on course equivalencies to replace MCAS for future cohorts; retroactive diploma processes to be developed.","taxTitle","Woburn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71058,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6670958,"Woburn advances redistricting process, adds equity to guiding principles and delays MSBA building applications until plan finalized",2732,3233000,5965000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c&start=3233&end=5965","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c/thumbnail_3233000.jpg","/articles/6670958/Massachusetts/Woburn-advances-redistricting-process-adds-equity-to-guiding-principles-and-delays-MSBA-building-applications-until-plan-finalized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670958-603a2cca3d9e7d0740470f25bdb90080/orig.mp4?Expires=1775557438&Signature=DhL7lXNQodHtJPkgEkj7q7-5bkez7XIRFBcMDmqQtG8VGRzoNZ3HU-6x4G127yq3G95jPz1HCvcDNroZavEI1A6~ey0UJajoKZpv-DoRxdIC-9vXENmIiI8nUK3y8SumEfQPd5twTpsi5TSPQrwNP7lr5aANq3u37p4wgZop9ZTrnEX7UksGvYOnn39GtRJ7Cl7IojRA~pVE8Sdd8KQa5m3bMPTun27lvmlDEfuOIGzqPF0q0HLtvlb7nSw32-o0OLdlTCX7bDlr2KdK18t65vlSQK2Sdv6Z6o125EqJrRSjZcgbqikVHJcj31M1Nx32QvfMHXRjqGlVmCqATNi0xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woburn School Committee on Jan. 30 received an update from consultant Sanborn on a districtwide redistricting process and approved changes to the committee's guiding principles, adding a stated focus on equity for marginalized groups. The committee also voted to defer formal building recommendations and MSBA submissions until after the redistricting plan is complete.

Consultant work and timeline: Superintendent Dr. Christine Crowley said Sanborn (a geospatial consulting firm with a Boston office) has been geocoding student addresses, assembling \"puzzle pieces\" of feeder patterns and meeting weekly with central-office staff, principals and transportation. Sanborn representatives told the committee they believe the district can meet a May deadline for a redistricting vote if the committee follows the planned timeline and community engagement schedule.

Community input: The district used a ThoughtExchange open-question survey that drew 582 participants and 304 distinct thoughts. Common themes were equitable class sizes, classroom space for specialists, proximity/walkability, transportation and long-term planning tied to ongoing housing construction in town. Dr. Crowley said the city GIS, building department and developer schedules are being used to project future enrollments.

Guiding principles and vote: Committee member Andrew Lipsett moved to add language prioritizing equity for marginalized groups (explicitly naming multilingual learners and low-income students in committee discussion); the motion passed. Committee members then agreed to adopt the proposed guiding principles as a \"living\" document, to be refined by the resource and capital planning subcommittee and updated in light of ongoing public feedback. Committee members emphasized timely, multilingual public outreach and community forums so families can review draft scenarios and tour buildings before a final vote.

MSBA and building recommendations: The Building, Capital and Planning Committee had recommended pursuing MSBA funding for older facilities. Committee members said that because redistricting affects capacity and long-term use of buildings, the committee would table building recommendation votes until the redistricting plan is complete. The consultant's contracted fee was confirmed in discussion as approximately $80,000.

Public meetings and accessibility: District leaders said they will post maps and materials on the Woburn Public Schools website, hold public forums, and provide translated materials; the committee discussed timing for advisory-group and parent representative meetings and said it would solicit parent volunteers from each school.

Ending: Committee members stressed the need to give families adequate notice and opportunities to visit potential receiving schools if lines change; the committee set advisory and subcommittee meetings to finalize public engagement and review draft scenarios.","The School Committee heard an update from consultant Sanborn on redistricting scenarios, added equity for marginalized groups to its guiding principles, approved guiding principles as a living document for public input, and voted to table building recommendations (MSBA applications) until after redistricting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6670963,"Woburn School Committee sets aggressive FY26 budget timeline; approves warrants and temporary enrollment registrar",708,2455000,3163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c&start=2455&end=3163","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c/thumbnail_2455000.jpg","/articles/6670963/Massachusetts/Woburn-School-Committee-sets-aggressive-FY26-budget-timeline-approves-warrants-and-temporary-enrollment-registrar","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670963-0e3a21627e399ad8d14bae15c73344ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1775557438&Signature=NW14fUrgwGmjMZTM01MO5Gpnd-6eZ2avlsofS~IC4TYOUJ~FiKWK0VgQpV7288DzrIwBrOon12Mky-eeXBee9lC4X6FiWSWRa64a93UyjY0PFzvLp3RIRbueKksEOc4VYvARGBkZ7CWT2C0P7fE9GSXGE8AIHVLtosAItPsDv83uyJDNkgHiXQruSYgayF7St9DnBgFz2ceG7piu~7veXaaCI0FcPQgX0aGU~qw8uQoMC5TPFf73cPmE33IeWVsfnxCzzqcMYXqKsXXHT3~uNN~9rIWtHYfCG45s1ByjUcs9iCv7uoS776cjQT0CrqrutcSQ3QpG0qKhqTKuZB5DLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Woburn Public Schools Director of Finance Alec Dizzio outlined an accelerated timeline for developing the district's FY26 budget at the Jan. 30 School Committee meeting, saying the office began planning in October and sought to present an initial draft to the committee Feb. 26, with refinement March 5 and a public hearing March 26.

Why it matters: Dizzio said timely budget adoption helps with hiring and operational planning. He warned of cost pressures for contracted transportation (athletic buses rose about 13% in a recent contract) and a roughly 5% increase in electricity costs (delivery and demand charges included).

Approvals and votes: The committee approved four warrants for regular payments (aggregated in meeting materials) and voted 6'1 to authorize a full-time, year-round enrollment registrar position to centralize student registration and family support services. Superintendent Dr. Christine Crowley said the role would consolidate registration functions that currently occur across multiple sites, make the registration process more accurate and offer extended hours/weekend access to families. The position will be funded using grant funds this year and proposed as a line in the FY26 budget.

Timeline detail and process concerns: Committee members called the proposed schedule aggressive but said the district's goal was to provide earlier certainty for hiring and operations. Board members noted legal and charter constraints: final authority for the city budget resides with the City Council and the statutory deadline for local budgets remains a factor, so early hiring remains contingent on the eventual council vote.

Next steps and public process: Dizzio said transportation bids were due Feb. 6, which will give an early, firm number for bus costs; initial and refined budget presentations are scheduled for Feb. 26 and March 5 with a public hearing March 26. The registrar position will be funded through FY25 grants and added to the FY26 budget request for council consideration.

Ending: Committee members asked for subcommittee meetings to review the budget materials on an accelerated schedule, and administrators said they would continue coordinating with city offices on timing and fiscal assumptions.","Finance director presented an accelerated FY26 budget timeline, noting transportation and utility cost pressures. The committee approved routine warrants and authorized a year-long enrollment registrar position (6-1) funded by grant this year and proposed for FY26 budget inclusion.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6670968,"Woburn moves to Reveal elementary math curriculum with full K–5 rollout planned for 2025–26",1147,386000,1533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c&start=386&end=1533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171715-1398b11e6f61f58630c73609d5d45b0c/thumbnail_386000.jpg","/articles/6670968/Massachusetts/Woburn-moves-to-Reveal-elementary-math-curriculum-with-full-K5-rollout-planned-for-202526","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670968-03113516c92c4fbfc012f83facda3b00/orig.mp4?Expires=1775557438&Signature=U9vaQxE6y~Pomlnf-QXttpG2Qk2GyFJRRKovm8q-Dw0-brVwjVa8fznjGMigvmD~QJLYE1T3QAbCua2aPxRKYPKiB8ikCkiMHZK1R7qJx2iQ5bVel4PQpJBLOE~Eze3rdbc1pkO5wbwC3bGSsrwN5AdMm1EeAkJtZuETpAw82EKN1kas-aH1PTXRpvhne7Q4z-V8UzL1C2ApGc1doAQIxuc~Fprg31EPPN78qAVh4c1iuvgl0CsSDkLi236QgpchKPy8Y0Mkge-C31mtfI5pT~7LQiuBw3w2sxuxQf7rsYldjelslvd0H4XlL2FGOzTnoLVhyQSWrT3lAlYLgUILWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Woburn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine Crowley on Jan. 30 presented the district's plan to adopt the Reveal elementary math curriculum after a multi-year review and a teacher pilot, with districtwide training planned for spring and full implementation for the 2025'26 school year.

The decision followed a DESE-guided selection process that used statewide vetting tools (Curate and EdReports), classroom walkthroughs and a two-day vendor review by teacher leaders and special-education and multilingual representatives. Amy Maines, STEM elementary coordinator, summarized the district's market review, MCAS performance data and classroom findings that led staff to recommend Reveal as the primary curriculum.

Why it matters: District presenters said current elementary materials dated from 2013 and that only 39% of third'fifth graders were meeting or exceeding math expectations in 2023 MCAS averages. The committee was told a cohesive, standards-aligned curriculum is intended to reduce variability between classrooms, provide clearer assessments and support teachers with common materials and planning.

Pilot and supports: Maines said the district narrowed roughly 20 vendors to six and then piloted Reveal in multiple grade levels this fall; teacher votes favored Reveal, with Envision as a close second. The pilot included building-level content specialists and ongoing support from the vendor. Maines and other staff said Reveal includes language objectives and social-emotional learning (SEL) objectives in lesson plans, addressing multilingual-learner (ML) needs and incorporating differentiation and extension materials for special-education students.

Training and timeline: Materials and online access (McGraw-Hill's ALEX platform) were expected to arrive within weeks of the meeting. District trainers will offer K'5 training in April, and the district plans summer planning work and professional development during the 2025 summer and next school year. Maines said approximately 20 teachers will have one year of experience with Reveal prior to full rollout, to serve as early adopters and peer supports.

Questions from committee members focused on support for ML students and special-education accommodations, the length of the curriculum review process and classroom usability. Maines and the district's ML coach, Tori Hoffman, and special-education representatives described supports including lesson-level language objectives, sentence frames, math-specific vocabulary resources, a separate differentiation manual and digital diagnostics and practice through ALEX.

What's next: District leaders said they will continue grade-level planning with pilot teachers and content specialists, finalize materials and schedule spring training. Staff said they plan to monitor first- and second-grade rollout closely and provide supports where the pilot showed splits in preference among teachers.

Ending: Committee members expressed general support and appreciation for a teacher-driven selection process and emphasized the need for continued monitoring of student assessment data after implementation.","After a multi-year review, Woburn Public Schools presented the selection of the Reveal math curriculum for K–5, describing pilot results, supports for multilingual and special-education students, training schedules and next steps for districtwide implementation in 2025–26.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School committee adopts new competency determination policy to replace MCAS graduation requirement

Woburn advances redistricting process, adds equity to guiding principles and delays MSBA building applications until plan finalized

Woburn School Committee sets aggressive FY26 budget timeline; approves warrants and temporary enrollment registrar

Woburn moves to Reveal elementary math curriculum with full K–5 rollout planned for 2025–26