The school committee’s policy subcommittee presented a first read of a new middle‑school pathway exploration policy required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Policy subcommittee member Andrew said the required elements DESE listed are already reflected in district practice: annual presentations and tours with regional vocational providers, in‑school exploratories such as engineering and workshop classes, and partnership activities with regional vocational schools. “The requirements that they articulated be in the policy really actually reflect the things that we already do,” Andrew said.

Members asked staff to avoid naming a single vocational school directly in the policy so the document will not have to be rewritten if district partnerships shift. A Boxborough member noted that Boxborough is not currently a member of Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School and asked that the policy use broader language — for example, “vocational or technical programs” rather than calling out a specific school — and that any specific procedural arrangements be handled in an implementing procedure rather than the policy.

The policy author said the intent was to codify current practice and that staff expect a second read and vote “in fairly short order.” The subcommittee noted that DESE has a timeline for districts to adopt such policies.

What’s next: The policy will return to the subcommittee for revision to broaden the vendor/school language and then come back to the full committee for a second read and adoption vote.