An Act relative to increasing access for vulnerable students

This bill allows Massachusetts charter schools to voluntarily give enrollment priority to vulnerable student groups, such as those with special needs, English learners, and students in foster care. Under the new rules, these schools could admit eligible students at any time during the school year, including those who are on waitlists or admitted through the lottery. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education must create specific regulations to define which student subgroups qualify and outline the process for implementing these preferences. The legislation also explicitly includes students with emergency resettlement status as eligible for these enrollment preferences.