Hearing Details: Innovation Schools, Vocational-Technical Schools, and Charter Schools

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM (WATCH LIVE)

Location: Massachusetts State House Gardner Auditorium

Event DescriptionThe Joint Committee on Education will hold a hybrid public hearing to solicit written and oral testimony in-person and remotely on the following bills that pertain to Innovation Schools, Vocational-Technical Schools, and Charter Schools. 

To register to testify virtually, you must provide contact information on the form linked here. Individuals who wish to testify virtually at the Joint Committee on Education upcoming hearing must register by completing this form before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29th, 2025. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Testify in-person or virtually by registering using the provided link or submit written testimony by October 7th. to support the following Legislation:

H.4320: Establishes a Vocational Admissions Task Force and pauses the lottery admissions pending the report of the Vocational Admissions Task Force if established.

This task force would be instrumental in identifying strategies to expand Chapter 74 programs and ensure all students have access to high-quality technical education. While equity is important, the new lottery-based rules apply a one-size-fits-all approach that undermines local control and fails to account for effort, attendance, and discipline history. These regulations were based on flawed data interpretations and contradict DESE’s own findings, which show minimal need for systemic reform.

S.358 & H.651: An Act to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education (Senator Feeney, State Reps Moran and Scanlon)

Key Message: "I ask that you see favorably to move H.4320 out of the Joint Committee on Education, approving the formation of the Vocational Task Force will ensure a cohesive plan to expand the system and that all students have access to valuable Voc-Tech Agricultural education system.. We can invest in the expansion of Chapter 74 programs through the Task Force and also by favorably moving S.358 & H.651: An Act to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education (Senator Feeney, State Reps Moran and Scanlon) to ensure all students have access to high-quality technical education, thereby maintaining Massachusetts' tradition of high educational standards and preparing our students for future success. This expansion is crucial in order to address the needs of the students within the commonwealth."

Email your written testimony:

• Please submit written testimony to Fiona Bruce-Baiden at jointcommittee.education@malegislature.gov and  Dennis Burke at dennis.burke@masenate.gov or to the Committee on Education at 24 Beacon Street, Room 473G, Boston, MA 02133. The Chairs request that those submitting written testimony include “EDUCATION COMMITTEE TESTIMONY” and the bill number IN THE SUBJECT LINE, and provide the committee with your name, organization, and phone number. The Committee will accept written testimony until October 7, 2025.

  • Fact-finding by the Vocational Task force, rather than a lottery, will ensure a cohesive plan to expand the system and that all students have access to valuable Voc-Tech Agricultural education system.

  • Emphasize the need for bold leadership and long-term investment to maintain Massachusetts' competitive edge in future job markets.

  • Share you personal or professional story / experience under the merit based admissions and why the task force is necessary.

    CC* the Bill Sponsors on emailed submissions : When communicating, please CC the following individuals:

    • Second Assistant Majority Leader State Rep Frank Moran: Francis.Munro@mahouse.gov & Frank.Moran@mahouse.gov

    • Senator Paul R. Feeney: paul.feeney@masenate.gov

    • State Rep Adam Scanlon: Adam.Scanlon@mahouse.gov

      *If you live in a district of a Joint Education Committee Member, reach out to them and express your support personally : https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J14/194/Members

    • * Senate Members: Jason M. Lewis Chair Patricia D. Jehlen Vice Chair Sal N. DiDomenico Robyn K. Kennedy Pavel M. Payano

      Patrick M. O'Connor (Ranking Minority)

    • * House Members Kenneth I. Gordon Chair Bruce J. Ayers Vice Chair Christopher J. Worrell Priscila S. Sousa Judith A. Garcia Manny Cruz

      Michael P. Kushmerek Bridget Plouffe Simon Cataldo John J. Marsi (Ranking Minority) Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida

• Document the date and time of your calls and emails.

• If possible, record the name of the person you spoke with.

• Retain a copy of your email and send it to us: mavoctechcoalition@gmail.com

• Continue to check this website and our Facebook Page and LinkedIN for updated information.
  
  Questions? email us! mavoctechcoalition@gmail.com