School Committee members express concern about proposed lottery-based enrollment in high school CTE programs

The School Committee revisited a proposed policy that includes the use of a blind lottery enrollment system for Waltham High School’s 14 career and technical education programs.

The proposal comes after the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in August changed its CTE recruitment, admission and retention policies and practices guidance to include a lottery-based enrollment system when programs are overenrolled.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Shannon Conley and Michael Grace, WHS CTE department director, explained that the DESE guidelines give the option for a blind lottery or weighted lottery based on student attendance, disciplinary history and interest.

The proposed WHS policy includes a blind lottery and waitlist for students that are not chosen. Conley added that caregivers have the option to appeal waitlist placement for students, though it is up to the principal to decide whether to approve or deny the appeal.

Committee member James Zanghi expressed concern regarding blindly selecting students rather than ensuring interested students are accepted into programs. 

Putting extra effort into tracking attendance and discipline for a weighted lottery, Zanghi said, would be worth it because students often pursue CTE pathways after graduating.

Committee member Debbie Coleman shared a different perspective. Coleman said she was initially scared of the blind lottery but now believes it’s a way to ensure equitable enrollment.

“I can see the appeal of having student interest weighted, but at the same point I think it would be really hard to judge,” Coleman said.

The committee approved the proposed policy at its first reading, with a vote in opposition from Zanghi.

Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

The committee heard a first reading from Conley and Grace of a proposed policy regarding a state-regulated CTE exploration program for middle school students.

The goal of the proposed exploration policy, Conley said, is to ensure students at the district’s two middle schools are aware of CTE opportunities and experiences at the high school so they can make informed decisions about both career and education.

Conley added that the use of My Career and Academic Plan, a college and career planning tool for students from pre-K to high school, is a key part of the program. Conley said by allowing students to explore both new opportunities and existing skills as well as social and emotional components, they become drivers of their own education.

A sanctuary district

Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy revisited a request from Zanghi to discuss making Waltham Public Schools a sanctuary district after the committee at its Oct. 23 meeting approved a handbook update to include language allowing caregivers to opt students out of curriculum with references to LGBTQ+ identities.

McCarthy advised the committee to have administrative staff handle the procedure and suggested that Conley reach out to Zanghi directly. Both Zanghi and Marisa Mendonsa, WPS superintendent of schools, agreed with McCarthy’s proposal.

Additionally the School Committee

• Heard the second reading of the updated DESE-compliant WHS competency determination policy, including updated language for math requirements proposed by committee member Edmund Tarallo.
• Congratulated the WHS girls field hockey team and boys varsity soccer team for making the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association playoffs.
• Announced the finalization of two working groups, one focused on instruction and student experience and the other on adult learning and development, as part of the district’s equity team.
• Congratulated the WHS cheerleading team for their first place win at the Dual County League competition.
• Recognized WHS senior Gavin Armstrong and WHS freshman Cal Hayward for earning top scores at the senior district music festival.
• Heard updates from FitzGerald Elementary School and Waltham Valor High School improvement plans based on student learning goals, professional practice goals, and student engagement or family and community engagement goals.
• Heard WHS student council updates about sports playoffs, the theater department’s musical “Anything Goes,” with shows set for Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, and various school bake sales, including the Jewish Student Association’s annual hummus sale.
• Approved the 2026-2027 WPS district calendar, including an update requested by Tarallo to reflect the dates that grades close each quarter for report cards.