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Board votes to decline Massachusetts School Choice for 2025‑26, citing overcrowding
Summary
The Lawrence Alliance for Education voted unanimously in favor of declining participation in the state School Choice program for 2025‑26 because the district says it lacks seats for nonresident students.
The Lawrence Alliance for Education voted on April 9 to decline participation in Massachusetts' School Choice program for the 2025‑26 school year, citing limited capacity across district schools.
The board discussed the annual requirement that districts vote whether to accept out‑of‑district students through the state School Choice mechanism. Superintendent Ralph Guerrero explained the recommendation: because the district lacks sufficient seats for resident students, the board should vote "yes" to decline participation. "The recommendation this year is for us not to participate in School Choice," Guerrero said in presenting the motion.
The board then moved and seconded the item and the clerk called a roll. The recorded responses were: Doctor Dolores Gala — Yes; Arlene Garcia — Yes; Juana Matias — Yes; Maria Mueller — Yes; Chair Patricia Mariano — Yes. Chair Mariano announced, "Yes. Motion passes." The board did not expand on specific enrollment caps or cite a numerical threshold during the public vote.
Ending: The board's affirmative vote means Lawrence will not open seats to out‑of‑district applicants under the state's School Choice program for 2025‑26. The decision was recorded during the April 9 meeting and will be reflected in the district's application materials and posted notices.
