[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6429356,"mediaKeyId","5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f","parentId",5900682,"title","School committee gives first reading to local competency determination tied to MCAS changes","audioSeconds",129,"startMs",4455000,"endMs",4584000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f&start=4455&end=4584","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f/thumbnail_4455000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6429356/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/School-committee-gives-first-reading-to-local-competency-determination-tied-to-MCAS-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429356-338666070eb0eb40e95aa5d28e41ddad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192053&Signature=AnDJFyHYJ-shGDreclkmC4HAp99qT6cQCjPlinjLf9hASAVhcESJ3o~~wUe5HkARxh1fJxM9h445RAvGuG3gcisB66cHd98bZzIcwHRL7Fn-wwfI7rygJOZEwVsdPDQJUA75Fm~3z-JSAyqyweM47t~Jo9s70OL6VENOAeYc3jFy3-KzTyPZMXLiLjbqv9RT-oVrBCsS4jVqQy0kHqBS94qjkNVFr3JGdp8Svv4ny-BGRdZfdrubNgorMHKkBvqRcLRV1B5zpqy2Cs0Lk6NziNoAqcjMD-5u1ul0ey6BvTAB~P1h4jsptgNvBrRT8mdNQ4zNgTvExpfYVQjuY0w5AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Danvers","date","2025-10-07T13:28:58Z","article","The Danvers School Committee voted on Oct. 6 to approve a first reading of policy IKFE, the district’s local competency determination policy that responds to changes voters made to MCAS graduation requirements.

Under the proposed policy, students must demonstrate competency in the same core academic areas previously covered by MCAS through multiple pathways. The policy lists course and assessment requirements the district will use to determine competency:
- English: successful completion of two years of high‑school English (ELA 9 and ELA 10) with satisfactory final assessments, capstones or portfolios.
- Mathematics: completion of the first two years of high‑school math (algebra and geometry) as the district defines them.
- Science: biology (including the biology MCAS for state accountability) plus at least one additional lab‑based science course.
- Starting with the class of 2027, students will also be required to take one year of U.S. history.

The policy provides multiple means for students to demonstrate mastery — course final assessments, capstone projects or portfolios — and includes a transcript‑review and appeals process for late entrants and for graduates from prior years seeking a Danvers diploma. The draft also includes specific language to ensure students with disabilities and English learners have equitable access and appropriately adjusted measures aligned with their IEPs, 504 plans, or WIDA levels.

Superintendent Adam Bauer said the district updated the policy to reflect DESE guidance and to ensure students who attend out‑of‑district programs still have a pathway to graduate with their Danvers cohort. The committee approved the policy on first reading and scheduled a second reading in November ahead of statewide posting deadlines.

Why it matters: the policy creates a local, course‑based approach to determining graduation competency after Massachusetts voters removed MCAS as the sole graduation determinant. It affects current students and creates a limited pathway for past cohorts to seek a Danvers diploma.

A vote on second reading will be required to finalize the policy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Danvers School Committee Meeting - 10/6/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Danvers School Committee on Oct. 6 approved a first reading of policy IKFE establishing a local competency determination after statewide changes to MCAS graduation requirements. The policy specifies courses and multiple demonstration options, and includes appeal provisions and accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners.","taxTitle","Town of Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",56467,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6429358,"External audit finds strengths in Danvers bullying responses, recommends centralized reporting and updated Title IX procedures",280,3090000,3370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f&start=3090&end=3370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f/thumbnail_3090000.jpg","/articles/6429358/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/External-audit-finds-strengths-in-Danvers-bullying-responses-recommends-centralized-reporting-and-updated-Title-IX-procedures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429358-f0664864b705f7d95ac0ae20e5af9711/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192053&Signature=M4VYtZLJ~klq1QGogeAj-t-Tor6Wdp6yFNaUovnwznY4MsPA8HuLcM6HeWkgDqjAFjVhJ6BXlF8G7jpquedwRvN6lQdCwmTzDjMrqtVaWl48vUbOkOXB-q7-upQic~M9L3IAcdwq0jta5TXOO0t7iVOZ5pop35-u7SeLx0PwAkrYUwrZlLenGvKErElI9McixfR~xUR~VHAoqWNIH1XOL-aQTTOtwr9CYjorlJMN9Dpk2M1pAszhP-IhFAZs~tHY9X-~tYMnJVdW723LhGZXXKHHlGsqmgH~i-~yZxaNzlbBxuCLVGRhm8u0orxLMSlfBfk41pf7CrgKOtPy1Xj7sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An external legal audit presented to the Danvers School Committee on Oct. 6 found that school administrators respond promptly to immediate safety concerns but recommended improved recordkeeping, updated Title IX procedures and more training on alternatives to exclusionary discipline.

Patrick Nevins of McEvoy, Voigt, Joyce & Kowalski reviewed district policies, sample cases and interviewed 13 administrators as part of the audit. He told the committee the review “consisted of a review of existing policies and procedures to make sure that they're up to date,” and that the interviews were “transparent” and useful in shaping recommendations.

Key findings and recommendations included:
- Strength: administrators generally implemented safety planning and supportive measures early in incidents, and coordinated with special education staff when students had IEPs or 504 plans. Nevins said this work was a district strength.
- Recordkeeping: the audit recommended a centralized repository of incident reports to ensure continuity of information when students transfer between buildings or grade levels. Nevins said the district lacked an accessible historical record that would allow staff to review past incidents promptly.
- Title IX and civil‑rights procedures: auditors provided an updated Title IX manual, templates and flowcharts reflecting recent federal changes and recommended training for staff on the evolving grievance process.
- Discipline guidance and alternatives: auditors recommended a district subcommittee to develop consistent disciplinary guidelines that preserve administrator discretion, and additional training on restorative alternatives and mediation. They noted changes to Massachusetts discipline law emphasizing alternatives to exclusionary discipline.

Nevins said the audit team also prepared updated incident reporting forms, checklists and a Title IX manual for the district. Superintendent Adam Bauer said the district will post the audit materials for public review and schedule detailed implementation briefings for administrators.

Why it matters: the recommendations are intended to improve legal compliance, promote consistent practice across schools and make historical incident information easier to retrieve when students move between buildings.

The committee did not vote on the audit at the Oct. 6 meeting; administrators said they will begin implementation and provide more detailed briefings to staff and the committee.","An external audit of Danvers Public Schools' bullying, harassment and discipline procedures found strengths in safety planning and early supportive measures, and recommended a centralized incident repository, updated Title IX grievance materials and clearer discipline guidelines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6429362,"Danvers public speakers and teachers debate classroom use of All American Boys",2129,543000,2672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f&start=543&end=2672","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f/thumbnail_543000.jpg","/articles/6429362/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Danvers-public-speakers-and-teachers-debate-classroom-use-of-All-American-Boys","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429362-c13e547083167b258bc9519d18a5098f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192053&Signature=L71LXBdwLy-8aPMyBGdDvmxqPHsL2LbSHaWW6p~wxdGszWSwkGofsCuKjge-U8DMmZ~V~N1QQek5TnsZBW7Ytqh-bLU3pjkTYIkXBWaCnbfWPuxL5gb-~TBNC7i59qoILa6vkI0sUGd17pxTTjxDYACSRp~Cz8-g4~6g7c4rp1JShbEwC-8cKo2UVMHQmuv586psJYdk~9lDo3KhIqHRxvpCbZt9HsMwUPocoiU7r1ULNRvYeknZQy9hmX4xCRseHIsnfvV65a2z8LapCMR8hlCIv0YyGuWrKZ0SL9hmQq7lnNmnzf62NnKA68E5~EHz-SKQ6yJffGpWCamN1HnkEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents, parents and educators addressed the Danvers School Committee on Oct. 6 to urge opposing outcomes on using All American Boys in the eighth‑grade English curriculum.

The debate focused on whether the novel — which includes profanity, depictions of substance use and a violent incident — is educationally appropriate for the district's middle‑school students and whether teachers and curriculum leaders followed the district's review processes.

The issue drew organized remarks from the Danvers Teachers Association and local educators who defended the selection and urged the committee not to restrict classroom materials. Sarah Stone, a seventh‑grade ELA teacher at Holton Richmond and English teacher leader, read part of a letter from the Danvers Teachers Association and said, “We are writing to you today to express our grave concerns regarding objections to the first ELA unit of the school year.” Andrea Sherman, a former English teacher and president of the Beverly Teachers Association, said, “Discomfort is not harm,” and argued that trained teachers can guide challenging discussions.

Parents and other community members also spoke both in support of and opposed to the book. Suzanne Wright, a parent with a child in sixth grade, told the committee, “This book makes students think critically,” and described it as a vehicle for empathy and discussion. Another speaker who identified himself as a town meeting member and parent raised concerns about profanity and depictions of underage drinking and said the curriculum review process could have been more collaborative.

Superintendent Adam Bauer and other district representatives responded during the meeting to describe the district's actions. A committee member noted that district leaders had made a short‑term opt‑out accommodation for a small number of families but said the book remained available in classrooms and libraries and that most eighth‑grade students were continuing with the unit.

Why it matters: the debate touches on teacher academic freedom, district review processes and how the schools balance parental concerns with curriculum choices. Public comments drew strong attendance and a range of viewpoints, and several speakers asked the committee to clarify curriculum oversight and the opt‑out process.

The committee did not take a policy vote on curriculum materials at the Oct. 6 meeting; public comment closed before the business agenda proceeded to presentations and policy items. Several speakers asked the district to provide clearer public guidance about how instructional materials are chosen and reviewed.

The committee's agenda continued after public comment with presentations and policy items scheduled for later meetings.

Ending note: Multiple speakers asked for more transparent district communications about curriculum review and for opportunities for parents and teachers to discuss materials before public controversy escalates.","Dozens of residents, parents and educators spoke during public comment at the Oct. 6 Danvers School Committee meeting about the eighth‑grade ELA unit centered on All American Boys. Teachers and union representatives defended teacher autonomy and intellectual freedom; some parents raised concerns about language and age‑appropriateness.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6429344,"Votes at a glance: Danvers School Committee, Oct. 6, 2025",631,3870000,4501000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f&start=3870&end=4501","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f/thumbnail_3870000.jpg","/articles/6429344/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Danvers-School-Committee-Oct-6-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429344-76f320a9741a6f58d69ad1d5899bdc97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192053&Signature=n0-5wQxWKJ96EtnqnkaJyFAa9bj7~e4Bd1Hwb8ca7kbS8Q6zbGeBVRdnQEbrCtF5RppwDQnEWPzOO26M74nU8NaBbP7Icz7MH4E5Zw7j4NME4knAwUX7WivyDvU330EWEQEOlrP0np~Qhq8v-kCs44i6LUoBgbbRhf-u36GP3BFNJCjJGJqaX34A6qdzSMvtHK2g-MQIF9JwCoRq3IPcXlZokqfj1iFHEIybDnAK2wh6CTNOjm3JSE~nVcMQ65N5lbGF-PIfZ4a7LHIDHLroqA1yOeEVkpDt2vor1wPRQdXQuzkyka8KWD~gS9qYulxZRzrTdRJ4UdZyt-tvV40oOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danvers School Committee took the following recorded procedural and policy actions on Oct. 6, 2025. Where the transcript recorded only a voice vote, counts are not specified; outcomes are summarized below.

Votes at a glance

- Wellness policy (second reading and adoption): Motion to approve the updated wellness policy (including clarified nutrition purchasing and a prohibition on recess removal as punishment). Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

- School improvement plans (K–12): Motion to approve the elementary, middle and high school improvement plans as presented. Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

- IKFE (local competency determination): Motion to approve IKFE on first reading. Outcome: Approved on first reading by voice vote; second reading scheduled for November.

- JEB (school entrance age): Motion to approve revisions to policy JEB to allow principal discretion for Grade 1 readiness in certain cases; first reading approved. Outcome: Approved on first reading by voice vote.

- Minutes: Motion to approve and release regular minutes for Aug. 11 and Sept. 8, 2025, and to approve but not release executive‑session minutes for Sept. 8, 2025. Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

- Consent agenda: Motion to approve the consent agenda. Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

- Adjourn: Motion to adjourn. Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

Notes on voting: the meeting transcript records voice votes but does not list roll‑call tallies for the motions above. Where a named mover or seconder was not recorded in the transcript extract, that information is listed as “not specified.”","Key motions taken Oct. 6 by the Danvers School Committee included approval of the wellness policy, approval of K–12 school improvement plans, first reading approval of the competency determination (IKFE) and first reading approval of revised entrance‑age policy (JEB). Several procedural items (minutes, consent agenda) also passed by voice vote.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":104,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6429351,"Danvers presents curriculum priorities, MCAS results and plans to boost high‑school enrollment",727,3774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f&start=3774&end=4501","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5900682-fe7279fa21aeae39282c9b3b9c4e9b6f/thumbnail_3774000.jpg","/articles/6429351/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Danvers-presents-curriculum-priorities-MCAS-results-and-plans-to-boost-highschool-enrollment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429351-3af756e7219a49ab5ddb35fdc27bff4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192053&Signature=IlZ~2QJzxVBiuGaa1ltI7e86sDG5qxHleZZKi0hrTj-16JKBqj0JoMIOwDyflmPXgmgO7WK8LMSRpEHgceks7H37Tk4PGZ0pmhWfzdKIQhZigDzvnMYxYXxW5QQvTn5turRaaSwte2B6vqKW50IVMgCBmk5vq637J1agZFf9b3yW5nbNdIjAdPVe5bwD3YX-2z0tOH-PdOWM7m0pipehfxIPwBPt4JHJQHGEhuS3SJGIli04GXC7E4BSQcpgFz4uyGEClkHsKyhnhm4IhIEIA96GHoo55MpBjOhVS64om--mjwQ5ELxvwgn-6QHTDhvW2o~UVj0t65bZeoWaQGhgKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District leaders briefed the Danvers School Committee on Oct. 6 about assessment results, curriculum priorities, school improvement plans and enrollment trends.

Assistant Superintendent Kristen Anderson summarized early assessment activity and MCAS performance. The district is beginning its fall MTSS (multi‑tiered system of support) screening using DIBELS for reading and other screeners to identify students who need tier‑2 and tier‑3 supports. “We’re just in the beginning of that MTSS process for the year,” Anderson said.

The district posted 2024 MCAS results for grades 3–8 and grade 10 that showed Danvers close to state averages in many areas. Anderson highlighted that in grades 3–8 ELA the district reported 3 percent exceeding expectations and 33 percent meeting expectations (state: 7 percent exceeding, 34 percent meeting). She said science performance was a relative strength for the district and that the district would analyze results more deeply over the year.

Curriculum priorities presented included:
- implement a comprehensive K–5 reading program that addresses phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary;
- pilot elementary math programs this year with an adoption decision to follow;
- analyze the Carnegie secondary math sequence and pilot alternatives if indicated;
- implement the Wayfinder K–12 SEL curriculum — elementary implementation and a secondary pilot are planned.

Principals and instructional leaders also presented school improvement plans for elementary, middle and high schools; the committee voted to approve the K–12 school improvement plans as presented.

District leaders also presented survey and choice data to explain why families sometimes enroll in private, parochial or technical schools. The administration plans an earlier and broader outreach campaign including an open‑house targeted to families of fifth‑grade students and a marketing effort highlighting post‑secondary placement and AP/dual‑enrollment options. One presenter summarized the strategy in three words: “Inspire, Empower, Soar.”

Enrollment: the October 1 report showed overall district enrollment down by 102 students compared with the prior year; the high school headcount increased by 13 students while K–5 declined by 105. The administration flagged that some changes reflect families moving out of the district and exits from emergency‑assistance placements.

Why it matters: curriculum adoptions, assessments and enrollment patterns shape classroom instruction, staffing and longer‑term budgeting. The committee asked for continued analysis and a public communications plan about program offerings and student outcomes.

Ending note: administrators said they will return with more detailed MCAS breakdowns, updated curriculum recommendations and a timeline for pilot programs.","At its Oct. 6 meeting the Danvers School Committee heard MCAS and assessment updates, district curriculum priorities including a new elementary reading program and pilots for math and SEL, and a presentation on why some students leave for private or technical schools and marketing plans to retain them.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School committee gives first reading to local competency determination tied to MCAS changes

External audit finds strengths in Danvers bullying responses, recommends centralized reporting and updated Title IX procedures

Danvers public speakers and teachers debate classroom use of All American Boys

Votes at a glance: Danvers School Committee, Oct. 6, 2025

Danvers presents curriculum priorities, MCAS results and plans to boost high‑school enrollment