In November, Massachusetts voted to remove MCAS test results as a requirement for high school graduation.

Hopkinton High School Principal Evan Bishop on Thursday appeared before the School Committee to talk about competency determination (CD) going forward to comply with state law in the wake of that vote.

Currently, he noted that students must earn a total of 113 credits, including 20 each in English, mathematics and “other”; 15 credits each in science, history/social sciences; 10 credits in world language; eight in wellness; and five in arts and technology.

The principal presented new language indicating that in addition to those local graduation requirements, students must meet CD standards. These would be to complete ninth and 10th grade English with a passing grade; complete ninth and 10th grade mathematics with a passing grade (must include geometry and Algebra 1 and/or 2); and with a passing grade, complete one of three core science classes (either biology, chemistry or physics).

A passing grade is 60.

Bishop said that the CD proposal is in line with what other area schools are adopting and is “very reasonable and a nice way” to proceed.

He added, “We felt this was the best course going forward … to focus on high-quality instruction.”

Bishop said students who do not meet the CD requirement will be monitored and supported during Grades 11 and 12 and must either make up coursework they did not pass or pass relevant subjects before they can graduate.

He said there has not been a situation where students left before 2025 without graduating because they did not pass the MCAS tests. Bishop attributed that to the excellent education students receive at the high school and throughout the district leading up to that level.

Further, Bishop said, all current juniors have met the competency requirements, and among seniors, only international students arriving this year have not earned that distinction yet. Those students are enrolled in the required classes they need.

In response to questions, the principal said the graduation percentage is “extremely high” and clarified that students still will be taking MCAS exams, although they will not determine whether individuals earn a diploma or not.

Students still will be eligible for scholarships that are available in conjunction with MCAS scores, he said.

Supports are in place for students who may be struggling in certain subjects, he added.

The committee decided to wait until next week’s meeting to vote on the issue after vice chair Jamie Wronka suggested that parents and community members may have questions about the proposal.

Hearing on budget has no participants

Earlier, the School Committee opened a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 proposed school budget, but it attracted no participants or questions at the meeting.

Next week, the board is prepared to vote on the budget before sending it on to the town manager.

The Select Board is expected to discuss the budget next week as well.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh noted that the FY 26 school budget of $67.1 million has not changed from the presentations she gave during the previous two meetings with the Select Board and Appropriation Committee.

The proposed budget includes estimates for salary increases for the teacher, custodial and cafeteria workers with whom negotiations are underway. It also includes requests for 8.9 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.

She said previously that the personnel needs are based on enrollment, student interest and other factors like lowering class sizes and special education requirements.

Update provided on school projects

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich reported on the Hopkins School addition/renovation work and plans for the new Charleswood School.

At Hopkins, she said the Building Department allowed the district to proceed with structural steel installation while architect Perkins Eastman reviews comments related to obtaining a full permit. The hope is to be granted a building permit next month.

Other expectations in February include completing underground plumbing and electrical installation, installing structural steel including decking, and pouring concrete for slab on deck level 2 and slab on ground level 1.

Upcoming for Charleswood will be a review of the street improvement plan by the Conservation Commission. Construction documents at 90% completion will be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Also expected is the execution of MSBA (reimbursement) funding to the town.

As of October 2024, the project was running $1.2 million under budget, Rothermich said.

Search Committee composition adjusted

In other business, chair Nancy Cavanaugh reported that the executive administrative assistant to the superintendent suggested that her slot on a search committee to find a new superintendent be given to a director of curriculum.

Board members thought the idea made sense, with the chair adding the assistant would have opportunities to provide feedback, such as when focus groups meet.

The School Committee also approved wording of a recruitment letter drafted by consultant New England School Development Council (NESDEC) as the district begins the process of finding a replacement for Carol Cavanaugh, who retires June 30.