School committee adopts revised graduation policy to give freshmen limited scheduling flexibility

The Westford School Committee on May 27 approved a revision to Policy P6110 (Graduation Requirements) that reduces the district's required annual seat time for physical education and health for incoming freshmen, creating room in freshman schedules for an additional half‑year elective.

The change, proposed by a graduation‑requirements working group and discussed at several committee meetings, was intended to give incoming ninth‑grade students more scheduling flexibility during a year many families and presenters said is important for exploration and engagement. The committee voted to adopt the policy as amended after public comment from parents and working‑group members and a committee debate that also flagged related questions about visual and performing arts (VPA) course access and support for students receiving special education services.

Why it matters: Committee members and public speakers said the…