School Committee votes against school choice participation for 2026-27
School Committee votes unanimously against school choice participation. Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Marsden recommended non-participation in Massachusetts' inter-district school choice program for 2026-2027, citing Medfield's per-pupil education cost of more than $20,000 against state reimbursement
School Committee · Meeting of May 14, 2026
MEDFIELD — School Committee votes unanimously against school choice participation. Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Marsden recommended non-participation in Massachusetts' inter-district school choice program for 2026-2027, citing Medfield's per-pupil education cost of more than $20,000 against state reimbursement of approximately $5,000, creating local subsidy burden.
Chair Michelle Kirkby reported majority community opposition focused on protecting student supports and class sizes. Vice Chair Leo Brehm noted the district had paid approximately $23,441 in school choice costs during the current year and emphasized implementation concerns, while stating the program should remain available for future reconsideration. The Committee also unanimously approved three international high school field trips for 2027: a music department visit to Orlando in February, a French exchange to Paris and Normandy in April, and a Spanish language immersion program to Costa Rica, also in April.
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Source: the School Committee meeting of May 14, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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