Greater Lowell committee prepares weighted-lottery policy after DESE changes to CTE admissions

The Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School Committee discussed a state regulation that will require lottery-based admissions for career-technical education seats beginning with the 2026 application cycle and asked staff to draft a recommended admissions policy that uses allowable weighted criteria.

The rules come from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and guidance approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which the district said requires either a blind (random) lottery or a weighted lottery and allows, but does not require, use of specified criteria such as attendance, discipline history and demonstrated student interest. Superintendent Jill (first name only in the record) told the committee the district must submit a final admissions policy to DESE by Oct. 1 and recommended a weighted approach that mirrors elements of the school’s existing policy.

Why it matters: The change affects how middle‑school applicants are selected for seats at Greater Lowell Tech starting with the class entering in 2026. Committee members and staff warned that a blind lottery could reduce the ability of the school to prioritize students who meet the school’s attendance and conduct expectations, while DESE can require a blind lottery if use of criteria produces disproportionality in outcomes.

At the meeting, school leaders outlined the two primary options: (1) a blind lottery in which every qualified applicant is entered and seats are assigned by a public random drawing, or (2) a weighted lottery that would give additional “tickets” or priority to applicants who meet one or more criteria. The three weighted criteria discussed were: no more than 27 unexcused full‑day absences during a roughly 270‑day lookback period after grade 7; no suspensions/expulsions under Massachusetts statutes cited in the guidance during the same period; and evidence of student interest (examples included an interview, short video, personal essay or letter of recommendation).

Attorney Jennifer McGrew, who attended to advise on legal issues, told the committee that DESE has authority to require changes if an applicant selection method produces disproportionality by race, national origin, gender identity, religion or disability. McGrew recommended the district adopt a defensible policy that complies with the regulation and continue to advocate for any state‑level changes the committee wants to pursue later.

Committee members voiced frustration with the statewide shortage of CTE seats and with what some called a top‑down mandate from the governor’s office and DESE. Several members said they preferred preserving the school’s current expectations—particularly attendance and conduct standards—by using all three allowable weighted criteria; Superintendent Jill said staff will draft a policy that “mirrors what we currently do” but complies with DESE requirements.

Next steps: The committee voted to hold a policy subcommittee meeting and an executive-session discussion before the next regular meeting; the board directed administration to prepare a recommended admissions policy for committee review so the district can meet the state’s submission deadline. The committee intends to return to the full board with a draft policy and a recorded public vote.

Quotes (from meeting transcript): “Because this is where this is all coming from,” Attorney Jennifer McGrew said, explaining DESE’s regulatory authority. Superintendent Jill said: “I would recommend using all that is allowable right now because I believe that the criteria of attendance, discipline, and interest is critical here, at Greater Lowell Technical High School.” School Committee member Paul LeMay (school committee member) moved for an executive session “to thoroughly trash this out,” and the motion was seconded and carried.

Background: Under the new DESE guidance, districts that use qualifying criteria must hold at least two in‑person and two virtual information sessions and may require student demonstration of “awareness” (attending a session, participating in a tour, or completing state‑approved material) as a prerequisite to entering the lottery. The guidance also requires annual attestation to DESE that the district’s admissions policy complies with federal and state nondiscrimination law.

The committee’s forthcoming policy will need to specify: whether the district uses student‑awareness qualifiers, whether it uses any or all of the three weighted criteria, how data will be collected and attested to, and how the district will monitor and report the policy’s effects to DESE. The administration said it will present a recommended policy at the next committee meeting for the board’s vote.