Education Laws and Regulations

Notice of Public Comment for Proposed Amendments to 603 CMR 1.00

Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B, and c.71, § 89, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on the proposed amendment to 603 CMR 1.04(9), Charter Schools Regulations. The proposed amendment is a narrow revision to the regulation that specifies the method for calculating the list of school districts that perform in the lowest 10% on statewide assessments, for purposes of the charter school statute. Under the current regulation, the list is calculated and published fairly late in the charter application cycle. This year, it would be published after final applications have been submitted. The late availability of performance data creates considerable uncertainty for charter applicants and for school districts under current statutory requirements. The proposed amendment would calculate the lowest 10% based upon data available at the start of the charter application cycle. This would provide school districts and charter applicants the information they need to plan appropriately. Copies of the proposed amendment

are available on the Department's Education Laws and Regulations website, or by calling 781-338-3227. Written comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted by mail to: Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148, by fax to 781-338-3220, or by e-mail to charterschools@doe.mass.edu. The deadline for submission of public comment is Friday, July 24, 2015. The Board anticipates to vote on the proposed amendment at its regular monthly meeting in September 2015.

Last Updated: June 17, 2015