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Committee removes veterinary science from proposed CTE expansion, keeps other MSBA-linked plans under review
Summary
After DESE feedback highlighted resource and animal-care requirements, the committee voted 7-0 to remove veterinary science from its Chapter 74 expansion submission; the committee reaffirmed other CTE expansion timelines and will coordinate DESE/MSBA timing for programs that require new space.
The Medford School Committee on Feb. 26 voted 7-0 to remove veterinary science from the district’s Chapter 74 career and technical education (CTE) expansion plans after district staff and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advised that the program would require substantial ongoing animal-care commitments and certifications.
Assistant Superintendent Peter Cushing and Chad Fallon, director/principal of Medford Vocational Technical High School, briefed the committee on CTE enrollment and program-placement data and on conversations with DESE. Fallon said the district’s current waitlist stands at 18 students and that additional seats created after last year’s override eased demand. The district is continuing planning for other program expansions that would require new space in a future facility, including dental assisting, plumbing, HVAC and information systems; those programs remain under consideration and timelines will be adjusted to align with MSBA feasibility and facility planning.
Cushing told the committee that DESE’s eligibility review for veterinary science highlighted operational requirements beyond classroom instruction, including 24-hour care for animals in the program and additional certifications and upkeep. Director Fallon said agricultural and long-standing vocational programs in other districts typically have the infrastructure—space, staffing, and protocols—to support animal-based instruction, and Medford concluded it was not prepared to meet those commitments at this time.
Member Graham moved to remove veterinary science from the Chapter 74 submission and to adjust expansion timelines for dental assisting, criminal justice/protective services, plumbing, HVAC, and information systems per the presentation; the motion was seconded and passed 7-0.
Fallon presented program-placement metrics: 271 students completed the CTE exploratory this year, with 200 placed into programs, 18 wait-listed and 53 choosing the traditional high-school pathway. The district plans to expand freshman exploratory offerings next year (art, music, technology rotations and a freshman seminar) and to submit DESE applications for certain programs in the 2025–26 cycle so that approvals and MSBA feasibility work align.
The committee directed staff to update the paperwork submitted to MSBA to reflect the removal of veterinary science and to continue coordinating Chapter 74 application timing with MSBA feasibility work. No new spending beyond previously approved budget items was authorized by the vote; the action updates program planning and scheduling only.
The motion passed by roll call vote, 7-0.
