Westford committee debates graduation requirement changes after public outcry; first reading waived

Westford — The Westford School Committee on Monday heard extended public comment and a lengthy committee discussion about draft policy P6110, a proposed update to graduation requirements for Westford Academy that would reduce required physical education/health credits from 12.5 to 10 credits and make other changes. Committee members voted to waive the policy’s first reading so the draft can be posted for public comment.

The request to reject the change came from several Westford Academy staff and students during public comment. “We ask you please vote down the graduation requirement proposal which reduces PE and health education,” said Melanie Jazokos, who identified herself as a member of the Westford Academy physical education, health and wellness department. Pat Gendron, another presenter from the department, described the PE and health curriculum as “necessary and critical to the development of the whole child.” Student speaker Elizabeth Chilicky said cutting the department would “be a disservice to current and future students.”

The debate centered on…