The Gloucester School Committee recorded multiple formal actions during its Nov. 19 meeting. Key outcomes are listed below.

Competency‑determination policy (first reading) — Approved on a roll‑call vote. The policy would substitute course‑based passing requirements (ninth/tenth grade English; Algebra I/Geometry; and at least one approved science course) and includes an appeals process for special cases. Committee asked staff to return with objective procedural criteria before final adoption.

Purchase of nine used buses — Committee approved a recommendation to procure nine used three‑year‑old buses (bid presented at about $480,000) to replace a subset of a lease expiring in June 2026; staff will finalize contracts, warranty and financing details and report back.

Grants accepted — The committee accepted several FY26 grants, including a CTE frameworks/competency‑based implementation grant ($3,804.38), a $10,000 continuation grant, a Foster Education Foundation Advanced Placement summer grant ($4,800) and a Foster Education Foundation Gender Equity in STEM grant ($15,000).

Executive session — The committee voted to enter executive session under G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) and (3) to discuss contract negotiations with nonunion personnel and collective bargaining matters with a transportation union.

Each motion was seconded and carried as recorded in the meeting minutes; staff were asked to prepare follow‑up materials and procedures where appropriate.