A member‑elect, Pamela Millman, asked the Peabody School Committee to delay action on local graduation requirements until the district completes broader public engagement and follows internal committee procedures.

Richard Stein read Millman’s letter at the meeting, saying school committees across the Commonwealth must submit local graduation requirements (including the state's competency determination) to DESE by Dec. 31, 2025, but that the district had not yet demonstrated the public engagement such a significant policy decision requires. "Why move forward with the vote when the process itself remains incomplete?" the letter asked, urging the committee to postpone the vote until Feb. 19, 2026 so stakeholders can meaningfully review proposed changes.

The committee voted unanimously to receive the written communication. Members discussed competency determination policy IKFE and graduation requirements file IKF; Superintendent Dr. Vedala said the district has a May policy on competency determination that could be submitted before Dec. 31 if necessary while awaiting state guidance expected Dec. 1.

Missus Dunn said the committee should watch for the governor’s Dec. 1 announcements and noted the district will consult special‑education staff to ensure any policy accommodates students receiving services.