District reports Commonwealth virtual‑school enrollment fell below 1%; estimates 50 available seats next year

Springfield Public Schools officials reported to the school committee that the share of Springfield students enrolled in Commonwealth of Massachusetts virtual schools has fallen to about 0.88% of district enrollment, down from a 1.03% peak the prior year.

Chief Saint Laurent (district official) told the committee the committee’s discretionary 1% cap, adopted on Feb. 29, 2024, remains in effect and no action was required at the meeting. He said the department estimates there will be about 50 available seats in Commonwealth virtual schools next year for Springfield families seeking that option.

Superintendent Dr. Denholm and Chief Saint Laurent encouraged outreach to families to promote Springfield’s own virtual school; Dr. Denholm said, "Maybe I shouldn't say it publicly, but we wanna get those 208 students back," referring to the number of Springfield students enrolled in Commonwealth virtual schools. Officials noted Springfield’s virtual program has positive reviews from participating students.

A board member asked how the Commonwealth virtual seats are funded; Chief Saint Laurent explained the state’s Chapter 70 funding and school choice formula pass along roughly $9,000 per student to the receiving school. He estimated the 208 students represent "a little over $2,000,000" in payments from the district to Commonwealth virtual providers.

Committee members asked for a grade‑level breakdown and were told the district can provide that data after the meeting; officials also said they will compile a catalog of district schools and programs to increase family awareness of local options.

Committee members did not change the existing 1% enrollment restriction during the meeting.