Watertown School Committee adds Algebra II, two years world language to graduation requirements after debate
Summary
After extended discussion about equity and supports, the Watertown School Committee voted 5–2 to add Algebra II and two years of world language to Watertown High School graduation requirements while preserving principal discretion for exceptions.
The Watertown School Committee voted 5–2 on April 7 to amend policy IKF to add Algebra II and two years of world language to Watertown High School graduation requirements, while preserving principal discretion for exceptions.
The change, presented by Superintendent Dr. Michael Daley and discussed at the policy subcommittee, specifies course requirements and clarifies community service expectations; the policy also removes language the district said is no longer applicable.
Why it matters: supporters said the change raises expectations and keeps doors open for students who may later choose college paths; opponents said the committee should study potential adverse impacts before making a district-wide requirement.
Committee member Jessica Middlebrook said she did not support making Algebra II mandatory without more information about how the change would affect students already struggling academically: “So I don't support currently making algebra 2 part of the graduation requirement,” she said, adding the district should investigate the circumstances of students who did not complete or pass the course before changing policy. Middlebrook cited district data that 18 students in 2024 did not take or did not complete Algebra II and that 42 students — about 20% of that graduating cohort — did not meet a referenced competency measure in the same year.
Student speakers and members of the committee offered contrasting views. Ariana Boyajan, a Watertown High School student and member of the Student Leadership Academy, said from her experience the additional coursework can “build on to your knowledge” and help in statewide assessments. Other committee members said the district must pair higher standards with additional supports. One member said, “The foundation of equity … is high standards for everyone. And we should expect high standards for everyone,” and urged the district to ensure supports are in place.
The record: At roll call the two members who voted against the change were Rachel Kaye and Lisa Capocha; the five yes votes were Jessica Middlebrook, Mark Sedaris, Lily Raymond Reid, Kendra Foley and Amy Donahue. The committee recorded the motion to approve as moved and seconded; the motion passed 5 to 2.
Next steps: Committee members asked staff to analyze why students did not take or pass Algebra II and to monitor outcomes after the recently adopted world-language graduation requirement, with several members requesting data collection and review in the coming year before any further changes.
The committee did not adopt a separate statutory citation; the amendment modifies district policy IKF (Graduation Requirements and Competency Determination) as drafted by the policy subcommittee and district administration.
