A significant part of the meeting focused on the proposed changes to graduation requirements at Westfield High School and the Westfield Technical Academy (WTA). Among the most notable proposals is the elimination of the physical education (PE) exemption for student-athletes. This change is intended to comply with Massachusetts state law mandating physical education, a move that could impact students starting with the class of 2030. This proposal arises from concerns that the current exemption has been overextended, allowing some students to bypass crucial health education. The committee plans to increase the math curriculum from three to four credits and integrate computer science, necessitating the hiring of additional staff, including a math teacher, a PE/health teacher, and a computer science teacher.

The discussions also highlighted the need for phased implementation of these staffing changes.

In a related matter, the committee examined curriculum requirements at WTA, which include plans to increase social studies and science credits, while maintaining combined health and PE requirements. The changes aim to meet Massachusetts Core requirements, though there are challenges related to scheduling and course availability, especially for students enrolled in vocational programs.

The meeting also addressed the Westfield High School’s competency determination policy, focusing on students in grades 9 through 12. It was noted that Algebra I taken in eighth grade would satisfy the math requirement, and starting in the 2027 school year, students would need to complete one year of U.S. history during their high school tenure. The policy discussions included special considerations for students with disabilities and English learners, particularly those arriving from out-of-district or internationally without required transcripts. A transcript review process was proposed to evaluate these students’ competencies, with an appeals process in place for further assessment.

A particularly newsworthy point was the committee’s effort to reevaluate past students who graduated with a certificate of attainment instead of a diploma from 2000 to 2024. The committee aims to facilitate a process for these individuals to have their transcripts reviewed to potentially qualify for a diploma. With one student already meeting the requirements, the committee emphasized the urgency of finalizing this policy by December 31.

In other discussions, the committee approved several field trips for Westfield High School, including a basketball scrimmage, wrestling tournaments, and a proposed trip to Peru scheduled for April 2027. Concerns about safety and the need for early approval to facilitate fundraising were addressed, with an amendment proposed to review the trip’s viability closer to the departure date, considering changing travel advisories.

Financial updates included the Special Revenue Account summary, where the director of finance reported insurance reimbursements related to a totaled transit van and outlined the status of the school choice fund. The discussion also touched on the Westfield High School STEM fund and dormant accounts that could be repurposed for STEM projects.

The superintendent’s update highlighted a meeting with John Cook from STCC regarding an early college designation application. The update also included attendance statistics, showing an improvement in chronic absenteeism rates.