Hanover board approves 24-credit graduation requirement and adds civics, personal finance assessments

The Hanover Public School District Board of School Directors on Jan. 28 approved a new graduation requirement setting Hanover High School students’ diploma threshold at 24 credits, effective July 1, 2026.

The requirement specifies 4 credits of English, 3 credits of math, 3 credits of science, 3 credits of social studies (including a civics test), 0.5 credits of physical education, 0.5 credits of health, 1 credit in science, social studies, math or STEAM, and 9 elective credits drawn from approved courses in the district’s Educational Planning Guide. The motion was made by Mrs. Gulden and seconded by Mrs. Rice and passed on a roll-call vote of 7-0.

Dr. John Scola, the district superintendent, said the change responds to curriculum alignment and a small but meaningful number of students who arrive needing additional physical education credits. "These requirements will make a difference of one to five students per year, which is powerful," he said.

The move follows a review by the Educational Programs Committee, which examined graduation requirements alongside state postsecondary readiness standards and a stakeholder survey, according to committee reports presented at the meeting. The district reported a 92.3% graduation rate at the meeting.

Board members did not record amendments to the credit distribution in the meeting minutes. The change will be implemented starting with the 2026-27 school year; the administration listed the civics test and personal finance exam as required assessments but did not specify testing windows or remediation pathways in the minutes.