The Walpole School Committee on Dec. 11 voted to approve updates to the Walpole High School Competency Determination policy required by DESE, with a motion from Mrs. Galavan and a second from Miss Donizio. The policy edits define mastery through satisfactory coursework averages and permit a teacher‑approved portfolio option for students who do not meet summative assessment averages; the committee directed staff to submit the policy to DESE by the Dec. 31 deadline.

The committee approved routine fiscal items during the meeting: payroll and accounts payable warrants for schools, food services, special education and student activity funds; budget transfers totaling $607,577 (largely actions approved at Fall Town Meeting); and accepted a donation of $15,624.61 to Boyden School for playground equipment. Committee members also approved minutes from prior meetings.

On facilities, the project team reported that the Walpole High School addition received permanent power and that gym floor sanding and polyurethaning are under way. Bleacher installation is scheduled to begin next week; the project now projects substantial completion on Jan. 2, a slip from the previously estimated Dec. 23 date.

Other business included first readings of the 2026 school calendar (teachers to return Aug. 31; students Sept. 2; last day projected around June 21) and of the school committee meeting calendar, the superintendent’s report (including $129,750 in scholarships awarded this week), reminders about upcoming concerts and winter break, and a phishing‑scam alert for families. The meeting concluded after routine votes to approve warrants, transfers and minutes and a motion to adjourn.