The Hingham School Committee meeting on Monday evening brought significant news for the district, highlighted by the finalization of a new three-year contract with school bus drivers and the formal adoption of a new graduation policy. Committee member Ally announced a tentative agreement had been reached with the bus drivers for 2026-2029. "It was really pleasant. It was very efficient. Got it done in two meetings which is great and we're happy to have it done in time for the holidays," she said, thanking all involved in the swift negotiations. The committee then unanimously ratified the minutes from the final negotiation session. Motion Made by the Chair to approve the minutes of the salary negotiation subcommittee meeting that held on November 19th, 2025. Motion Passed Unanimously. Superintendent Katie presented her report, celebrating the high school's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone," congratulating retiring Middle School SRO Officer Ramsay, and welcoming new SRO Jerry Sullivan.

A major focus of the meeting was an overhaul of district policies, chief among them the new competency determination requirements for graduation, which will replace the state's former MCAS testing mandate. Assistant Superintendent Erica explained the new path requires students to achieve a passing grade of 60% or more in a sequence of core courses like English, math, and biology. "For our students with disabilities, we want to be sure that discussion of the competency determination is part of the IEP team's planning," Erica noted, adding that a process for appeals would be available directly to her office. After a brief discussion, the new policy was adopted. Motion Made by a committee member to approve policy IKF competency determination. Motion Passed Unanimously. Following this, a large slate of related student policies was updated. Motion Made by Ally to approve policy JFAB, Educational Opportunities for Military Children, JFABF educational opportunities for children in foster care, JHD exclusions and exemptions from school attendance, JIC student discipline, JICE student publications, JICFA prohibition of hazing, JICFB bullying prevention, JIH searches and interrogations, the removal of JKA corporal punishment, the revisions to JL student welfare, and JLC student health services and requirements. Motion Passed Unanimously.

Hingham High School Principal Dr. Bucky presented the school's two-year improvement plan, which concentrates on student mental health, attendance, and technology. He detailed a new tardy policy that has provided more accurate data, showing a daily average of 40 tardies in November, while overall attendance has improved to 96.8%. "I do think the new policy is effective and you can see as I stand out front each day the sprinters coming in because they do want to get in and not be marked tardy," Dr. Bucky said. The plan also addresses the use of cell phone "caddies" and the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Committee member Matt commented on the AI discussion, stating, "I think there is more recognition that it could be bad but there's also a lot of benefits to it... I know it's still relatively early days... but just really encouraged by the focus on it." Committee member Carrie inquired about aligning efforts with the middle school, asking, "Are you collaborating with them?" The superintendent clarified that the AI effort is a coordinated grade 6-12 initiative. Michelle, the committee's high school representative, noted the next Student Advisory Council meeting is on December 4th.

The committee also gratefully accepted over $12,500 in donations from parent-teacher organizations. The grants will fund enrichment activities at the high school, social thinking materials at South School, and the "Balloons Over Broadway" first-grade parade at East School. Motion Made by a committee member to approve the combined mini grants totaling $9,312.20 from the Hingham High School PTO for funding of their mini program. Motion Passed Unanimously. Committee member John provided an update on community events, including the annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on December 16th and a free, sensory-friendly showing of "The Polar Express" on December 20th. "It's a really nice community event," John said of the Menorah lighting. The meeting was adjourned to executive session at 7:55 p.m.