The Hingham School Committee on Nov. 24 adopted a new competency determination policy that sets local standards for graduation aligned with Massachusetts DESE guidance and approved a package of related policy changes intended to update handbook language and remove redundant exhibits.

Erica, who summarized the policy, said the competency determination asks that "students obtain a passing grade, a final year end average of 60% or more" in core areas including English, math (algebra and geometry), biology and, beginning with the class of 2027, U.S. history. She told the committee principals would retain discretion to review transfer transcripts and determine reasonable course equivalents and that IEP teams would ensure competency determinations for students with disabilities were discussed early in planning.

Committee members then approved a set of housekeeping and substantive changes recommended by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and to conform with Mass. General Law. The package approved included removing CHCA‑E (an exhibit), approving CHCA (approval of handbooks and directives), consolidating curriculum policies (combining IGA with related items and removing outdated IGD/IGG/IGT language), and a block of student‑focused J policies — such as JFABE (military children), JFABF (foster children), JHD (exclusions/attendance exemptions), JIC (student discipline), JICE (student publications), JICFA (prohibition of hazing), JICFB (bullying prevention), JIH (searches and interrogations), and revisions to JL (student welfare) and KLC (student health services).

The chair called each motion, all were seconded and passed by voice vote. Committee members described most changes as redlined, minimal edits to match state law language and MASC guidance. The committee also removed a prior JKA corporal punishment policy from the manual and incorporated relevant language into the updated JKAA/JKAA review process.

The committee emphasized that appeals under the competency determination would be handled by written request and that the superintendent can serve as a backup dispute resolver, preserving local review options for transfer and special‑education cases.

The committee will continue review of remaining policy sections at subsequent meetings as part of an effort to clear outstanding policy updates.