Committee approves Burlington Public Schools Bridal School Pathway Exploration Model Policy, 4-0

On a 4-0 voice vote, the Burlington School Committee approved the second reading of the Burlington Public Schools Bridal School Pathway Exploration Model Policy.

Dr. Chen presented the policy as a middle-school pathway-exploration model intended to give students earlier exposure to career- and technical-education (CTE) pathways and to improve vertical alignment between middle and high school offerings. The presenter said the policy aligns with recent state changes to admissions at vocational technical schools (MyCAP/my cap), which are shifting to a lottery that will emphasize priorities such as attendance.

Committee members asked procedural questions about information-sharing sessions and outreach. Administrators said sessions will be scheduled to align with the district's admissions processes and that self-assessments would begin in grade 6 for students exploring pathways.

The committee moved and seconded the motion; the vote was recorded as "Aye" with the Chair voting to make the tally 4-0.

The approved policy will be implemented by Burlington Public Schools to formalize middle-school pathway exploration and to prepare students seeking CTE options in a changing statewide admissions environment.