Gardner approves program of studies; district expands early college, vocational seats and plans SchoolLinks rollout

The Gardner School Committee on May 12 accepted an updated program of studies and received a report on college- and career-readiness programs that outlined enrollment, wait lists and partnerships for the coming school year.

The action matters because changes to the program of studies and career programs shape graduation requirements, postsecondary pathways and how students access dual-enrollment and vocational training.

The committee voted to accept an updated program of studies “as presented.” The motion was made by Attorney Blake and seconded by Columbus Hurst; chairing remarks stated the motion carried with the committee voting aye.

In a combined presentation, College and Career Readiness Coordinator Melissa Payne briefed the committee on recruitment and outcomes. Payne said the Early College Academy received 80 applications and the district is managing 104 seats for next year — including 45 returning juniors and an expanded incoming cohort. Payne said the program’s incoming cohort shows increases in English-language-learner and low-income applicants, and she noted a projected underrepresented-population rate of about 60% for next year against a state target of 65% for future designation rules.

Payne provided updates on several partnerships and programs. The MVP partnership has 20 juniors and seniors participating this year. The district accepted 10 students into the Monty Tech (vocational) designation for 2025 — five electrical and five carpentry seats — after 22 applications for 10 seats; nine accepted students are from Gardner High School and one from Gardner Academy. Payne said the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) did not approve the district’s plumbing authorization for 2025, a denial that DESE applied broadly to applications submitted after a certain date; as a result, some program expansions will be delayed.

Payne also noted the automotive dual-enrollment program with Mount Wachusett Community College will continue; five students completed the program this year and are matriculating into Mount Wachusett’s automotive program. The district is implementing SchoolLinks, a platform to expand MyCAP curriculum, track student portfolios and centralize college and career planning across grades 8–12.

On staffing, the committee heard that Melissa Payne will move into an assistant-principal role at the high school at the end of the school year; the district named Paula Vulture as the incoming college and career readiness coordinator in the presentation materials.

Several program statistics were given: the Early College acceptance cap had been 80 but the district arranged capacity for 104 seats for next year; the Monty Tech allocation accepted 10 students and maintains a wait list of roughly 10–11 students; the district expects some schedule-driven churn between now and the fall. Payne said recruitment is complete and that final transcript and outcome data will be presented in June.

The report did not include a separate formal vote on staffing or program designations; the program-of-studies update was the formal action taken at the meeting.