March 11, 2025 |Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Education, News, Public comment

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Votes to Seek Public Comment on a New Career Technical Education Admission Policy

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The Healey-Driscoll Administration proposed updated regulation changes today to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to improve access to career technical education (CTE) programs across Massachusetts. These changes incorporate feedback the administration received over the last month from the Board and public, including to the number of countable absences and demonstrated interest in CTE. These proposed regulations are part of the administration’s larger efforts to “Reimagine High School” and promote programs that equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market through innovative, applied learning opportunities. Governor Healey’s recently filed supplemental budget includes $75 million for Career Technical Education School grants that will add an additional 3,000 new CTE seats over three years.  

“We have heard feedback from the Board and stakeholders and believe today’s updated regulations will increase access to career technical education for all students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration remains focused on improving career technical education admissions, while expanding the number of seats available statewide. That’s why our supplemental budget included $75 million to add 3,000 more seats. We are eager to move this work forward with families, educators, CTE schools, local officials and the business community.” 

“Career technical education is a win for students, providing them with the knowledge and skills to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. It is also a win for our communities, economy and local employers, connecting students to career options in high demand fields and engaging them in hands-on learning opportunities across our public high schools,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.

The Board voted today to seek public comment on regulations that aim to strengthen CTE schools’ and programs’ access to sending middle schools and require lottery admissions at all CTE schools and programs that have a waitlist. Under the updated regulations, the number of unexcused absences a student may have is higher, and schools and programs that want to include unexcused absences and specific disciplinary infractions must use them as weights in the lottery – they would not bar any student from entering the lottery. Additionally, CTE programs and schools could require students to include an indication of interest in their applications. If requiring this, schools and programs must hold at least two open houses and at least three virtual information sessions each school year, as well as provide students with a robust list of ways to show interest, like submission of an audio or video presentation or personal essay. 

“An important part of government is hearing from, working with and incorporating feedback from the Board and public. Today’s proposed regulations aim to make sure that past attendance is not a barrier to applying, while recognizing the importance of kids being in school. I look forward to hearing from students, schools, community members and other stakeholders during public comment and moving forward with an updated admissions policy that improves CTE access for all students.” 

Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler

“The proposed changes would allow all students who apply to a CTE school to enter the lottery for admission, while also acknowledging students’ positive attendance and discipline records,” said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “Public input has been an important aspect of these discussions, and we welcome additional feedback before the Board votes.”  

Since October 2024, the Board has held three special meetings and four committee meetings to discuss admissions in CTE schools and programs. As part of these presentations and Board public comment, superintendents, parents, school committee representatives, principals, school counselors, and community advocates have shared their experiences with CTE admissions.  

Members of the public have until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18 to provide public comment, and directions on how to submit public comment are posted online. The Board is expected to vote on the proposal before the end of the school year. 

Note: This press release has been updated to correct an error on the length of the public comment period.

The above press release was submitted to us by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education