The School Committee’s policy subcommittee presented a first reading Oct. 8 of a proposed new policy (5‑90) to document how Shrewsbury middle‑school students will learn about and be exposed to career technical education (CTE) and regional vocational programs. The policy reflects recent changes to state regulations.

Why it matters: Massachusetts regulation (603 CMR 4.0361) requires districts with middle‑school grades to adopt a policy describing how students are informed about CTE options, how tours and exposure are provided during school hours (with hosting districts assuming transportation cost), and how middle‑school exploration connects to secondary and postsecondary planning.

Policy subcommittee members told the committee that Shrewsbury already provides many of these experiences and has enhanced CTE opportunities. The proposed policy formalizes practices including coordination between middle schools and regional CTE providers, opportunities for grade‑appropriate tours during school hours, transportation arrangements for host schools, and alignment of exploration with secondary/postsecondary planning.

Legal review and timeline: The subcommittee said it has forwarded the draft to district legal counsel and recommends revisiting the policy in five years. A copy of the proposed policy will be posted on the district website and the committee invited public feedback ahead of a planned Oct. 15 vote.

Committee members emphasized that Shrewsbury is already delivering tours and presentations and noted the policy mainly formalizes existing local practice while aligning with state requirements. No vote was taken during the Oct. 8 meeting.