Massachusetts Association of School Committees

The challenges facing public education continue to evolve, bringing new complexities, expectations, and uncertainties for school leaders. This year's MASC/MASS Annual Conference, Navigating Complex Times: Centering on Students, will focus on helping school districts meet those challenges while keeping student success at the center of every decision.

Join school committee members, superintendents, administrators, and education partners from across the Commonwealth for three days of learning, collaboration, and networking designed to provide practical strategies, timely insights, and innovative solutions to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.

Take advantage of early bird registration rates and reserve your spot today. Visit www.masc.org/conference to register and stay up to date with the latest conference information, including program announcements, speaker updates, and event details.

Thank you to the Fitchburg Public Schools for hosting Charting the Course today at their brand new Crocker Elementary School. Thank you to Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia for joining us in welcoming our new members!

We are Charting the Course in Fitchburg today at the brand new Crocker Elementary School

This week, House and Senate negotiators released their supplemental budget conference committee report, reaching agreement on several important education investments for FY26 and FY27.

Read our latest update for a breakdown of what's included in the report. We'll also be sharing guidance in the coming days on key FY27 budget priorities and advocacy opportunities as budget negotiations continue.

Link here: https://bit.ly/3Q0Gma3

“All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.”

Harvey Milk
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As we enter this graduation season, congratulations to the class of 2026!

Following extensive discussion and review, the MASC Board of Directors has adopted official positions on the recommendations contained in the Statewide High School Graduation Framework Interim Report.

MASC supports efforts to create meaningful and equitable pathways to graduation while maintaining local control, protecting student opportunity, and ensuring that any new statewide expectations are accompanied by adequate and sustainable state funding.

MASC supports MassCore, financial literacy, capstones and portfolios, and Seals of Distinction when implemented with local control and adequate state support. MASC opposes End of Course Assessments (EOCs) as currently defined. In addition, MASC would need to see guaranteed funding and appropriate local flexibility before moving forward with MyCAP (Individual Career & Academic Plan) requirements or making FAFSA/MAFSA completion mandatory graduation requirements.

As this process continues, MASC remains committed to advocating for graduation policies that uphold academic excellence while respecting the will of Massachusetts voters, the diversity of local districts, and the practical realities facing schools and communities across the Commonwealth.

To view/download the full position paper with detailed positions on each framework, please visit https://bit.ly/3RhUTPa

Our Public Policy Update on today's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting in Hudson is now posted on our website:

Public Policy Updates: May 2026 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education - masc.org The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education had their monthly meeting on May 19 at Hudson High School, recognizing student representative to the Board Isabel Chamberlain. The agenda of the...

Note that tomorrow's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting is at Hudson High School, the school of student member Isabella Chamberlain.

Board Documents: May 2026 - Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) The goal of the Massachusetts public K-12 education system is to prepare all students for success after high school. Massachusetts public school students are leading the nation in reading and math and are at the top internationally in reading, science, and math according to the national NAEP and int...

Thank you to Marshfield Public Schools for hosting today’s Charting the Course for new and returning members. Thanks also to Past President Jason Fraser and Vice President Stephanie Clougherty for welcoming those attending.
Welcome, new members!