Wakefield committee narrowly approves limited school-choice seats for high school only

The Wakefield School Committee voted to allow nonresident students into the high school next year, approving two choice seats per grade for grades 9 through 12 for the 2025–26 school year.

The decision came after a public hearing on the district’s participation in the Massachusetts school-choice program. Superintendent Dr. Lyons presented an administrative recommendation to open 22 seats total — two seats per grade in grades 2 through 12 — but that broader motion failed on a 3–3 tie. A second motion limited to the high school passed 5–1.

The committee framed the action as a modest, time-limited step. Advocates on the committee said a small pilot could bring modest additional revenue at a time when district finances are tightening and revolving accounts are being used to cover recurring costs. Opponents cited rising enrollment in Wakefield and uncertainty about near‑term space needs as reasons to decline a larger opening.

Committee members emphasized that the administration would assign any accepted nonresident student to an existing classroom with capacity rather than expand class rosters where doing so would create space or staffing pressures. The state provides a per‑pupil tuition payment (statutory cap referenced in the hearing) that the committee noted would supplement district revenue but is not intended to fully cover the actual per‑student cost.

Supporters also said a small pilot would let Wakefield evaluate operational impacts — transportation, special‑education needs and classroom assignment — before deciding whether to expand participation. Finance subcommittee members pointed to the use of revolving funds and the district’s fiscal pressures as reasons to test the program on a limited basis.

Opponents warned that new housing and enrollment growth already predicted in Wakefield could make even small additions difficult to absorb, and that accepting choice students obligates the district to educate them through graduation.

The committee did not receive any public testimony during the hearing. The high‑school–only motion passed by roll call and will be implemented for the coming school year; the district will report back on enrollment and program effects before any expansion.