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Committee reviews proposed changes to graduation competency and to absences policy; second readings planned
Summary
The School Committee reviewed first readings of two policy updates: a revision to graduation competency language following changes to MCAS as the state measure, and a tightened attendance policy that would ask families to enroll students in an approved homeschool plan for absences exceeding 10 consecutive days.
The School Committee reviewed two policies for first reading: a revision to IKF (graduation requirements) to reflect the state's shift away from MCAS as the sole competency determination, and a revision to JH (student absences and excuses) that would require families to develop an approved homeschool plan for planned absences of 10 or more consecutive school days.
On IKF: Administrators explained the state no longer requires MCAS as the graduation competency; instead, districts must adopt locally defined competency determinations while the governor's council studies a statewide approach. The proposed change adds local competency language — for example, final passing grades in designated courses (English 10, algebra/geometry, biology) — aligned with existing local graduation requirements and DESE guidance. Administrators said a clean, final draft will be returned for a second reading and possible adoption.
On JH (student absences): Dr. Wilcox and other administrators said the district has seen families take extended trips of several weeks, which can disrupt learning. The proposed wording would add a procedure: when a student is expected to be absent for 10 consecutive days, the parent would unenroll the child and submit a temporary homeschool plan to be approved by the district (the assistant superintendent will review such plans). Administrators said the change is intended to promote communication, maintain continuity of learning during prolonged absences, and limit the district's need to mark long absences as unexcused. They also said the change dovetails with the state's "Your Presence Is Powerful" attendance initiative and DESE accountability tracking for chronic absenteeism.
Committee discussion covered several clarifications: members asked whether the policy would affect students receiving special education services, and administrators said cases would be handled individually and district staff would work with families to preserve services where feasible; members also recommended cross‑referencing the district's existing home education policy in the JH text so families can see the related process.
Ending: Administrators will provide clean text for both policies at the next meeting; the committee held both items for a second reading rather than adopting at first reading.
Discussion vs. decision: Both items were discussed at first reading. No policies were adopted at this meeting; the committee requested revisions and cross references for the second reading.
