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Auburn committee formalizes middle-school pathway policy to align with state CTE guidance
Summary
Committee approved a middle-school pathway exploration policy after a Teaching & Learning presentation on May 2025 Massachusetts Board of Education amendments and DESE guidance requiring Nov.1 admissions cycles, Jan.–Mar. application windows, and lottery rules for CTE schools; parents may opt out of address sharing.
The Auburn School Committee on Oct. 22 approved a district middle‑school pathway exploration policy meant to align local practice with May 2025 amendments to Career and Technical Education (CTE) guidance from the Massachusetts Board of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Teaching & Learning presenter (Speaker 7) summarized key rules in the guidance: CTE admissions cycles must open Nov. 1, applications are due between Jan. 1 and March 1, and schools with more applicants than openings must use a lottery (either non‑weighted or specified weighted lotteries). The guidance lists permissible weighting factors, including attendance (fewer than 27 unexcused full‑day absences in the 270 days prior to application), limited categories of major disciplinary infractions, and demonstrated interest. The presenter said districts must provide names and addresses of grade 7 and 8 students to CTE schools by Oct. 15 so those programs can contact families.
Committee members asked about Bay Path’s selection process and whether Bay Path uses a weighted lottery; presenter and committee members said Bay Path is using a weighted lottery. Committee members also asked whether parents can opt out of having addresses shared; presenter confirmed parents may opt out.
Committee member (Speaker 2) moved to approve the middle‑school pathway exploration policy as presented; the motion passed by voice vote. Presenter said staff will continue to coordinate student outreach, MyCAP career exploration activities and grade‑level tours to Bay Path as required by the guidance.
