School committee approves graduation policy and advances directory-information changes; routine agenda and consent items pass

On Feb. 24, 2025, the Salem School Committee completed several formal votes: it approved policy 5214.01 (graduation requirements) on second reading, approved a first reading of a revised directory-information policy (policy 5215.01), and adopted the meeting agenda and the consent agenda (minutes and warrants).

The committee approved the agenda and consent agenda by roll-call votes at the start of the meeting. The motion to approve the agenda was moved and seconded; Member Campbell, Member Cornell, Member Hoffman, Member Manning and the chair recorded “yes” on the roll call and the chair declared the motion carried.

On policy matters, Member Cornell moved and Member Campbell seconded the second reading of policy 5214.01 (graduation requirements). The committee approved the policy by roll call: Member Cruz, Member Hoffman, Member Manning, Member Campbell, Member Cornell and the chair each voted yes.

The committee also took up policy 5215.01 (directory information) on first reading and voted to approve that first reading by roll call. Committee members discussed a subcommittee recommendation to narrow the district's definition of directory information to a shorter list (for example, name, grade level, honors and awards) and to simplify the opt-out process. Subcommittee members and counsel advised the committee that the change is guided by federal and state law and that the superintendent will work with school leaders to communicate opt-out procedures to families. The superintendent said the district will conduct outreach to families and include the choice on back-to-school forms.

No changes to the policies were adopted beyond the roll-call approvals recorded at this meeting; the directory-information item will return for additional process following the first reading. The superintendent's evaluation item was postponed to the next meeting.