Concord committee begins first reading of DESE‑mandated middle school CTE policy

The Concord Public School Committee on Oct. 8 held a first reading of a new policy to document how middle school students will be exposed to career and technical education (CTE) options. Staff described the policy as a response to recent state legislation and DESE guidance that requires districts with access to a CTE (vocational) school to ensure equitable access and documented outreach to middle school families.

Shelley, a district staff member leading the policy work, told the committee the measure requires regular communication with families, a public posting of materials on the district website, assemblies and opportunities for eighth‑grade students to visit the regional vocational school (Minuteman) during school time at no or minimal cost. The policy also calls for guidance counselors to help families with application steps and for the district to provide basic contact information (email, phone, parent/guardian name and address) to Minuteman so that Minuteman can reach families directly; staff emphasized that academic records are not shared as part of that contact list unless the student applies and parental consent is in place.

Committee members raised questions about tracking outcomes for historically underserved students and whether the district can obtain acceptance and outcome data from Minuteman. Shelley said the district would request such information but that districts typically do not receive full admissions outcome data from the vocational school and that the policy is intended to memorialize and make explicit existing practices.

This was the policy’s first reading; staff and committee members said a second reading and vote are planned in two weeks to meet a DESE deadline of Nov. 1.