Coventry board approves first reading of updated graduation policy; committee asks staff to study service‑hour requirement

The Coventry School Committee approved the first reading of revised graduation policy IKF on Dec. 12 to bring district language into conformance with recent state secondary regulations.

Superintendent Don Cowart said the prior policy dated from the early 2000s and that the policy subcommittee worked with high school leadership and guidance counselors to update the policy language and integrate the state’s graduation requirements. The committee voted 7‑0 to approve the policy for first reading.

During discussion, Member Jacqueline asked whether community‑service hours could be included as a graduation requirement (for example a modest number of hours to be included in a senior portfolio). Cowart said the administration would check with the high school and policy subcommittee and report back on whether volunteer hours should be required or integrated as part of the graduation portfolio and whether the state rules permit making community service a required element.

Cowart noted that some state requirements are phrased as "demonstration of proficiency," which can be met by embedding work into existing courses rather than by adding standalone classes; he said the district had tried to preserve elective space for student pathways.

The committee voted to move the policy forward as a first reading; the superintendent will return with additional analysis about volunteer‑hour proposals before a second reading and final adoption.