Competency Determination Policy Development
Following the statewide vote to remove MCAS as a graduation requirement, schools are now required to establish their own competency determination policies by October 2025.

At Veritas Prep, students will continue to take MCAS at all required grade levels, though passing the test will not be required for graduation. The new policy allows students to meet competency standards either by passing MCAS or by earning a 60% or higher in all required courses. This policy will take effect in 2027. While the competency standard represents the state’s minimum, Veritas’ existing graduation requirements remain more rigorous.

Policy Implementation Timeline
The competency determination policy must be approved by the board and submitted to the state by October 2025. The committee reviewed the policy to surface questions prior to the full board vote. Depending on agenda capacity, the policy may be presented at the September or October board meeting. Required coursework will include English, mathematics, and science aligned to 10th-grade MCAS subjects.

Bylaws Review and Ex Officio Status
The committee discussed governance questions raised by Aaron Mendelson’s transition off the board after reaching his term limit. His departure prompted questions about the possibility of an ex officio role, though Department of Education staff noted that ex officio positions are not explicitly defined in the current bylaws.

Rachel also learned that, despite completing financial disclosure forms for 14 years, she is not considered an ex officio board member under state definitions. As a school leader, she is not required to complete those forms.

The committee noted that the bylaws have not been reviewed since 2021 and agreed to keep this item on the agenda for ongoing review over the next month.

Term Limits and Board Member Categories
Current bylaws limit trustees to five consecutive three-year terms, a threshold Aaron has now reached. Discussion focused on creating categories such as emeritus trustees or ex officio members to preserve institutional knowledge.

Emeritus status would allow retired trustees to attend meetings in a non-voting capacity and provide advice. The committee considered this option for Aaron and other trustees, such as Lisa, who may step down due to attendance or term limits. The Department of Education confirmed such categories are permissible if clearly defined in the bylaws.

Directors and Officers Insurance Review
Bob raised the need to ensure Article 7’s indemnification provisions in the bylaws align with current D&O insurance coverage. Rachel confirmed that coverage was significantly increased when Veritas changed insurance providers last year but agreed that legal counsel should review the provisions to ensure compliance. Lisa Doherty has managed such reviews in the past.

Next Steps

• Committee members will continue individual review of the bylaws with an eye toward formalizing ex officio and emeritus trustee roles.
• Legal counsel will review the D&O insurance policy for compliance with indemnification provisions.
• The competency determination policy will be presented for board approval in September or October.
• Nicole will follow up with DESE regarding Bob Leonard’s pending trustee approval status.