Hingham High School seniors will face a new path to graduation this year after the School Committee reviewed a revised student handbook that eliminates the MCAS exam as a required competency determination. The change, presented during a first read of sweeping handbook updates at the committee’s August 18 meeting, aligns with new state regulations and requires the district to establish its own method for students to demonstrate subject mastery.

Superintendent Katie explained that the district is actively developing its new policy. All students must also obtain a competency determination as determined by school committee policy, she stated, adding that the administration will work with the policy subcommittee to define the new mastery methods. While the state deadline for submitting the new plan is December 30, she assured the committee they are on track to finalize it much sooner. Chair Jen Benham underscored the urgency, noting the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) had recently provided a sample policy. Saying that so parents of seniors aren't nervous, Benham added, emphasizing the need for clarity before January.

The extensive handbook revisions, which will receive a final vote at a future meeting, also introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, clarified language around students “knowingly being in the presence of” alcohol or drugs, and removed the full memorandum of understanding with the Hingham Police Department, a practice deemed unusual by legal counsel.

At the middle school level, a discussion arose over the “away all day” cell phone policy, which specifies that phones must be kept in lockers. Committee member Matt Cosman questioned the rule's practicality. I'm not looking to change the policy, but do we actually think that every student cannot have a cell phone in their pocket or bag? Cosman asked. I'm just trying to make sure what we're actually putting in the handbook is what is practical. Tim Miller Dempsey suggested the specific language gives teachers leverage, noting, It may give teachers more leeway to say 'put it in the locker' if the policy is 'out of sight' and they pull it out in class. The committee also adopted Ally Anderson’s suggestion to use the word “target” instead of “victim” in the anti-bullying policy, reflecting more current terminology.

In other news, Director of Facilities Matt Mian delivered a much-anticipated update on major summer construction projects. The new High School wellness center, known as the "dock," is nearly finished. The dock is 99% substantially complete. We have minor punch list items. It's an amazing building, Mian reported, thanking the Hingham Sports Partnership for fully funding the project. He also expressed confidence that the new turf field would be ready for its first event on August 28. However, Mian cautioned that the high school building continues to face significant challenges, including a persistently leaking roof and a chiller that is only running at about 60-75%.

The Superintendent also announced dates for two upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate major facility milestones. The new High School dock and wellness center will have its grand opening on Friday, September 12 at 3:00 PM, followed by the official opening of the new Foster Elementary School on Monday, September 15 at 4:00 PM. We're looking forward to celebrating this milestone and also to celebrate the hard work of so many community members who have dedicated hours to this project, Katie said of the Foster opening.

The committee also reviewed the final graphic design for the district's new strategic plan, which will guide Hingham Public Schools for the next three years. The plan focuses on five key areas: collaboration and partnerships; innovative teaching; healthy and inclusive communities; capital and finance; and human resources and leadership development.

Finally, the district reported success from two recent hiring fairs that produced strong candidates for open paraeducator, substitute, and after-school staff positions, helping to bolster staffing ahead of the new school year, which begins for students after Labor Day.

Following a motion by one member and a second by another, the committee also voted 6-0 by roll call to approve the minutes from its July 21, 2025 meeting. Voting in favor were Jen Benham, Carrie Knee, Matt Cosman, Tim Miller Dempsey, Ally Anderson, and Michelle A'Hearn.