The Springfield School Committee voted to adopt a revised Career and Technical Education (CTE) admissions policy required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, moving the district to a public, random lottery for placement in Chapter 74 CTE programs.

Superintendent Dr. Dinal told the committee the change reflects a state mandate and broadens the policy beyond one vocational school. "The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has made it mandatory for us to shift to a lottery system when it comes to assigning our students to the high schools that offer CTE and Chapter 74 opportunities," he said.

Deputy superintendent Jose Escobano and district staff said the policy applies to existing programs at Putnam and CITEC and to any future CTE sites. Bob Saint Lawrence, introduced by staff as a chief working on the change, described how the selection will work: "It is, very simply a complete random lottery," he said, adding that the drawing will be conducted publicly "as per the laws" and will fill seats to each program's capacity.

Staff said the district aims to open the application window on Jan. 12 and run it through the end of the month, with the lottery concluding before February break. The rollout includes a middle- and high-school fair at Putnam High School where IT staff will demonstrate the new balloting software and family liaisons will help parents use the system. The district also plans videos, screen shares and online resources to help families.

Mister Gonzales moved to adopt the policy and Vice Chair Naylor seconded; the committee approved the motion by roll call.

Next steps include finalizing the balloting software, publicizing the application window to families and conducting the lottery in public as the district schedules it.

Action recorded: motion to adopt the CTE admissions policy (moved by Mister Gonzales; seconded by Vice Chair Naylor); outcome: approved.