Weymouth committee approves WHS CTE admissions policy with new middle‑school pathway

Cheryl (School Committee member) moved and the committee approved a revised Weymouth High School career and technical education (CTE) admissions policy that adds a DESE‑required middle‑school pathway and codifies how the district will inform families about CTE options.

The presentation, led by Principal Karen Monahan and district CTE staff, described outreach measures including on‑campus assemblies, a revived “Walk with a Wildcat” evening, eighth‑grade tours of WHS shops and translated online resources. Assistant Superintendent Ferriero and CTE staff said the pathway formalizes practices already underway and places them in the policy to meet DESE deadlines.

During questions, committee members pressed who would maintain records DESE may request. Monahan and staff said the district will be flexible; maintenance could rest with a building administrative assistant or move to central office if that proves more accurate. The policy text also notes that records will be made available to DESE upon request.

Cheryl moved to combine the second and third readings and then moved to approve the policy. The motion to approve included corrections made at the table, and the chair called for a voice vote. "We approve the WHS CTE admissions policy proposal, with the middle school pathway as presented to us this evening and with any, of the corrections that were made at the table during discussion tonight," the mover said. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The policy’s administrative procedures will be finalized to specify how families are notified, how electronic application links are provided, and where records are kept for future DESE review. The committee agreed to post materials and follow up on the application link noted during discussion.

The policy approval comes ahead of other DESE‑driven changes the district is implementing for CTE and graduation requirements.