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Under a recently promulgated program, state officials are trying to change the state’s vocational schools, which currently require students to have limited absences, good academic records, and a clear interest in the programs offered at voc schools. The reasoning is not only the relatively high costs of the programs, which are waitlisted in most school districts, but also the learning and safety goals involved, which require serious and committed schools.
As a local plumber, a graduate of Tri-County, explained, students in his recent graduating class were committed and capable. “When my dad went to voc in the 1980s it was a dumping ground for students; there were some sophomores that were 19-years-old,” he said. Now, “career-technical education,” as the state is trying to rebrand the institutions, is seen as a viable alternative to college and in many cases, also a viable path to college.
But that progress has been a result of implementing standards. And the use of voc schools as academic dumping grounds has to some extent been eliminated by investments in individual education plans for students struggling in public schools. Nineteen-year-old sophomores are a much less common phenomenon anywhere in the state.
But, the current state leaders have been determined to move to a lottery-based admission policy for voc, something solidly opposed by most school leaders, because it would again make vocational ed, the path of last resort.
In response to Tri-County Superintendent Karen Maguire’s efforts to resist the state’s lottery initiative, many of the region’s political leaders have stepped up and at least one has proposed legislation.
Lawmakers Weigh In
"Regardless of if you are in favor of the lottery or not, it is clear that we need peer reviewed and accurate data to guide our decision making, especially when these decisions impact all children throughout the Commonwealth," said Adam J. Scanlon, State Representative for the 14th Bristol district, which includes North Attleborough and parts of Attleboro and Mansfield.
The bill Scanlon has filed jointly with Rep. Frank A. Moran, who represents Lawrence and Andover, HD.4510, would establish a commission of important stakeholders to study and make recommendations on Ch. 74 admissions policies, the collection, dissemination, and analysis of district-level and statewide data on Chapter 74 admissions and waitlists, and the standard for review and enforcement of said policies and data.
“This bill is supported by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators which represents all vocational schools. So far, we have 16 co-sponsors (over the course of a week) including Leader Roy of Franklin,” Scanlon said.
Roy confirmed that, stating, “I am supportive of the Moran and Scanlon bill to set up the task force on vocational admission policies. In fact, I have signed on as a co-sponsor of this legislation. We need to find a way to make the vocational programs available to every student who is interested and qualified, and I believe that a task force is the best way to truly study this issue and make solid recommendations.”
“In my personal opinion, a lottery will not expand the number of seats in our vocational schools. That's why Leader Moran and myself have filed another piece of legislation to expand capacity in our schools and increase access and awareness to Ch. 74 programs,” Roy added.
A spokesperson for Karen Spilka, the Senate President, who also represents Medway, noted that she has heard from constituents in her district and fellow Senators about the challenges around vocational school admissions. She believes vocational education should be accessible to as many residents as possible, and during her inaugural address she challenged the Senate to commit more than $100M in Fair Share dollars towards expanding career and technical education capacity statewide. And, the spokesman noted, she will review any legislation that emerges from the committee process.
Lastly, Rep. Marcus Vaughn from the 9th Norfolk District, said he believes vocational education plays a vital role in preparing students for careers in the trades, and “ensuring that those with a true desire to pursue this path are prioritized in the admissions process is essential.”
“Assessments should take a comprehensive approach, considering multiple factors to identify the best candidates for these limited seats,” Vaughn said. A lottery system, while seemingly fair on the surface, ultimately disadvantages students who are in critical need of this specialized learning environment and are best suited for vocational training, he continued.
“We must ensure that policies reflect the true intent of vocational education—providing opportunities for students who are committed to building careers in the trades,” he added.
Senator Becca Rausch was contacted for comment but did not respond.
