Following state changes that removed MCAS as a universal graduation requirement, district staff told the committee they will draft a local competency-determination policy to demonstrate students meet Massachusetts framework standards.

Nut graf: The district proposed a straightforward approach—students meeting passing grades in core courses (two science courses including biology, 9th–10th-grade math including algebra and geometry, and 9th–10th-grade ELA) would meet the local competency determination; staff will return in February with more detailed policy language for committee review.

Administrators said the class of 2025 largely met MCAS-based competency already, but the district must provide a mechanism for students who did not meet the prior MCAS requirement or who leave and later seek a Danvers diploma. Staff emphasized the competency process will align with Massachusetts standards and that MCAS testing will continue as an assessment tool and for scholarship considerations.

High-school staff will draft policy language and return to the committee for formal approval; committee members stressed keeping the policy simple and providing remediation and monitoring for juniors and seniors who may need additional coursework or supports.