Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council votes to send letter opposing DESE-mandated lottery for vocational high schools
Summary
The council approved sending a letter to state education officials opposing the mandated lottery change to vocational/technical high school admissions, citing local concerns about loss of admission criteria and impact on student opportunities.
The Lowell City Council voted to send a letter to the city's state delegation, the state secretary of education and the governor expressing opposition to a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) decision to mandate lottery admissions at vocational and technical high schools.
Councilor McDonough and others argued the change discards locally developed admissions processes that included weighted criteria for attendance, discipline and demonstrated interest; the council record included data councilors said they reviewed showing Greater Lowell Technical High School enrollment demographics and cited concerns that a statewide lottery would replace locally tailored admissions practices.
Councilor Duran and others urged caution, noting DESE's interest in equity and the agency's aim to broaden access. Council debate included data presented about local admissions, diversity and high-needs percentages. Several councilors asked that the drafted letter include requests for data from DESE and to urge legislative attention on the issue.
Following discussion the council approved the request to send the letter and to coordinate with state legislators and the governor's office. Councilors said they would review the draft letter before it is sent.
