School committee approves alternate competency determination for Class of 2025 as high school leaders point to curriculum gains

The New Bedford School Committee voted unanimously to approve an alternate competency determination for the Class of 2025 that relies on passing coursework and district‑approved, evidence‑based assessments aligned to grade‑level standards in Algebra I, Geometry, English Language Arts (grade 10) and a lab science (biology or physics).

Committee member Christopher Carter moved the motion; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call (Ross Grace, Christopher Carter, Jack Livimento, Bruce Olivera, Colleen DeWicke, Melissa Costa and Mayor John Mitchell all voted “Yes”). The motion specifies that a passing grade (anything other than an F) in the listed courses, supported by assessments tied to the district’s high‑quality instructional materials (HQIM), will satisfy the competency determination requirement for students in the Class of 2025. The committee recorded the vote in open session.

School leaders told the…