Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 71 - Public Schools
Section 94 - Commonwealth Virtual Schools

Section 94. (a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:—
''Board'', the board of elementary and secondary education.
''Commissioner'', the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
''Commonwealth virtual school'', a public school operated by a board of trustees whose teachers primarily teach from a remote location using the internet or other computer-based methods and whose students are not required to be located at the physical premises of the school.
''Certificate'', a certificate of organization issued by the board to a commonwealth virtual school's board of trustees which governs the operations of the commonwealth virtual school.
''Department'', the department of elementary and secondary education.
''District'' or ''school district'', the school department of a city, town, regional school district or county agricultural school.
''Education collaborative'', an association of 2 or more school committees or boards of trustees of charter schools established pursuant to section 4E of chapter 40.
(b) On or before October 1, the board shall issue a request for proposals to establish 1 or more commonwealth virtual schools; provided, however, that the board shall not be required to issue a request for proposals for any school year for which a certificate is not available to be awarded. The request for proposals shall be published on the department's website. Persons or entities eligible to submit a proposal to establish a commonwealth virtual school shall include, but not be limited to: (i) a school district; (ii) 2 or more school districts; (iii) an education collaborative; (iv) an institution of higher education; (v) a non-profit entity; (vi) 2 or more certified teachers; or (vii) parents. Private and parochial schools and for-profit entities shall not be eligible to submit a proposal. A proposal shall be selected from the responses to the request for proposals and an applicant awarded a certificate under the procedures adopted by the board. The request for proposals shall include, but not be limited to, the following terms and conditions that shall be addressed in each response to the request for proposals and, upon selection by the board, shall be incorporated into the certificate to operate a commonwealth virtual school:
(1) the mission, purpose and specialized focus, if any, of the proposed commonwealth virtual school;
(2) the educational program, instructional methodology and services to be offered to students;
(3) the organization of the school by ages of students or grades to be taught and an estimate of the total enrollment of the commonwealth virtual school;
(4) the method for and timetable of admission to the commonwealth virtual school;
(5) the commonwealth virtual school governance and by-laws;
(6) the proposed school year;
(7) how the commonwealth virtual school shall administer state required assessment tests;
(8) a statement of equal educational opportunity which shall state that the commonwealth virtual school shall be open to all students, on a space available basis, and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation;
(9) a description of any preferences the school shall give for enrollment and how the school shall conduct a lottery for admission if applications exceed enrollment capacity;
(10) the identity of any third party software or curriculum vendors that the school intends to use;
(11) a proposed arrangement or contract with an organization that shall manage or operate the school, including any proposed or agreed upon payments to such organization;
(12) a demonstration of the applicant's capacity to support and store all critical student, program and staff data for expedient retrieval and analysis in compliance with federal and state laws;
(13) provisions for cyber safety;
(14) how the school shall notify each school district in writing of the number and grade levels of students who shall be attending the commonwealth virtual school from that district within 10 days of the student registering for enrollment in the commonwealth virtual school;
(15) whether the commonwealth virtual school will offer online courses to students attending other schools;
(16) the financial plan for the operation of the school;
(17) the number and qualifications of teachers and administrators to be employed;
(18) the procedures for evaluation and professional development for teachers and administrators, including what training, if any, shall be provided to teachers who have not previously taught online;
(19) the school's capacity to address the particular needs of English learners as defined in chapter 71A to learn English and learn content matter;
(20) the school's plan to conduct outreach to prospective students;
(21) what supports shall be provided to students to help them complete courses, including the school's strategies for ensuring that an enrolled student shall complete the program and goals regarding course completion and student achievement;
(22) how the school will monitor student progress in order to identify areas of difficulty and assist students who need additional attention;
(23) where relevant, what supports will be provided to help students prepare for college and careers;
(24) the school's capacity to support students' social and emotional growth;
(25) how the school shall create a community for students who are enrolled in the commonwealth virtual school;
(26) how the commonwealth virtual school applicant shall include activities to engage students;
(27) what, if any, in person activities, learning or interaction will be provided or offered, including extra-curricular activities;
(28) expectations for age appropriate supervision of students under the age of 14, if applicable;
(29) a description of where students will access the school's courses, including whether it is in the home or in a location provided and overseen by the commonwealth virtual school applicant;
(30) methods to assure that all students shall have access to necessary technology and materials;
(31) what technical support shall be available to students, including whether the commonwealth virtual school applicant shall offer an orientation for taking an online course before starting the coursework;
(32) how the school shall define and monitor student attendance, including how it shall verify that each student is participating in classes, how truancy shall be addressed and goals regarding student attendance;
(33) expectations and goals for communication between teachers and students and how such interaction shall be documented;
(34) how the school shall involve parents and guardians as partners in the education of the children and goals for parental and family engagement;
(35) the school's capacity to implement the proposal and provide high quality instructional services;
(36) the school's capacity to instruct students in the following categories, if the school intends to serve any such students: (i) students with physical or other challenges that make it difficult for them to physically attend a school; (ii) students with medical needs requiring a home or hospital setting; (iii) students with unusual needs requiring a flexible schedule; (iv) students who are over-age for their grade; (v) students who have been expelled; (vi) students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out; (vii) students who are pregnant or have a child; (viii) students with social and emotional challenges that make it difficult for them to physically attend a school; (ix) students who feel bullied or cannot attend school because their safety is at risk; (x) gifted and talented students; (xi) students who seek academic work not available in their school; (xii) students in rural communities; and (xiii) students in institutionalized settings;
(37) whether the school proposes a mechanism to provide meals to students eligible for free and reduced price lunch;
(38) the student to teacher ratio; and
(39) whether the school will establish a personalized learning plan for each student, in conjunction with the student's school district of residence.
(c) The board shall make the final determination on selecting proposals; provided, however, that the board shall only grant a certificate to a qualified applicant as determined by the board; provided further, that the board shall hold a public hearing on the proposals which shall be attended by at least 1 member of the board. Not more than 10 commonwealth virtual schools shall be allowed to operate in the commonwealth at any time; provided, however, that a commonwealth virtual school operated by a single school district, under an agreement entered into by more than 1 school district or by an education collaborative shall not be counted towards this limit if the commonwealth virtual school only enrolls students who reside in the school district, in the school districts that signed the agreement or in the school districts that are members of an education collaborative. The board may authorize a single board of trustees to manage more than 1 commonwealth virtual school; provided, however, that each school is issued its own certificate. Under no circumstances shall the total number of full-time students attending commonwealth virtual schools exceed 2 per cent of the total number of students attending public schools in the commonwealth.
The board shall give preference to proposals that include an educational program or specialized focus that appropriately addresses 1 or more of the following: students with physical or other challenges that make it difficult for them to physically attend a school; students with medical needs requiring a home or hospital setting; students with unusual needs requiring a flexible schedule; students who are over-age for their grade; students who have been expelled; students who have dropped out; students at risk of dropping out; students who are pregnant or have a child; students with social and emotional challenges that make it difficult for them to physically attend a school; students who feel bullied or cannot attend school because the students' safety is at risk; gifted and talented students; students who seek academic work not available in their school; students in rural communities; and students in institutionalized settings. The board shall also consider whether proposed schools will create or enhance the opportunity for students to attend virtual schools in all grades from kindergarten through grade 12.
(d) A commonwealth virtual school shall operate under a certificate issued by the board and be governed by a board of trustees. If a district or education collaborative operates the commonwealth virtual school, then the board of trustees shall be appointed by the member school committees of the district or the collaborative board. The board of trustees of a commonwealth virtual school, upon being granted a certificate, shall be deemed to be a public agent authorized by the commonwealth to supervise and control the commonwealth virtual school. A commonwealth virtual school shall be deemed to be a state agency under chapter 268A and members of the board of trustees shall be deemed to be public employees under chapter 268B.
(e) The board of trustees of a commonwealth virtual school shall have all powers necessary or desirable for carrying out its virtual program, including, but not limited to, the power to:
(1) adopt a name and corporate seal; provided, that any name selected shall include the words ''commonwealth virtual school'';
(2) acquire real property, from public or private sources, by lease, lease with an option to purchase or by gift, for use as a school facility;
(3) receive and disburse funds for school purposes;
(4) incur temporary debt in anticipation of receipt of funds; provided that, notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the terms of repayment of any commonwealth virtual school's debt shall not exceed the duration of the school's certificate without the approval of the board;
(5) solicit and accept grants or gifts for school purposes; and
(6) determine the school's curriculum and develop the school's annual budget.
(f) A commonwealth virtual school may provide access to its courses in an existing public school building or any other suitable location; provided, however, that a commonwealth virtual school shall comply with all applicable state and federal health and safety laws and regulations.
(g) The board may waive requirements that students who attend a commonwealth virtual school, attend school for a minimum number of hours or days each school year and may permit students to earn credits by demonstrating competency in a grade or subject matter. Students in commonwealth virtual schools shall be required to meet the same academic standards, testing and portfolio requirements set by the board for students in other public schools.
To ensure that students are learning and demonstrating their knowledge, each commonwealth virtual school shall ensure that students are provided, in each credit-bearing course, multiple synchronous learning opportunities with their teachers in which students are required to participate and share their knowledge.
(h) Commonwealth virtual schools shall comply with chapter 71B; provided, however, that the fiscal responsibility for a student with a disability enrolled in or determined to require a private day or residential school shall remain with the school district where the student resides. If a commonwealth virtual school expects that a student with a disability enrolled in the commonwealth virtual school may be in need of the services of a private day or residential school, it shall convene an individualized education program team meeting for the student. Notice of the team meeting shall be provided to the special education department of the school district in which the child resides at least 5 days in advance. Personnel from the school district in which the child resides shall participate in the team meeting concerning future placement of and services for the child and shall agree on the needed services for the child.
(i) No teacher shall be hired by a commonwealth virtual school who is not certified pursuant to section 38G. Nothing herein shall preclude such teacher from using digital content which may include, but not be limited to, guest lecturers.
(j) A certificate to operate a commonwealth virtual school granted by the board shall be for not less than 3 years and not more than 5 years, as determined by the board. The board shall develop procedures and guidelines for amending, revoking and renewing a virtual school's certificate. When deciding on certificate renewal, the board shall consider progress made in student academic achievement and whether the school has met its obligations and commitments under the certificate.
(k) The amount of tuition per pupil a school district shall pay for a student residing in the district who is enrolled in a commonwealth virtual school shall be the school choice tuition amount, which shall be paid through the school choice mechanism; provided, that the department may, in consultation with the operational services division, approve alternative tuition amounts proposed by applicants that shall not exceed the state average per pupil foundation budget for students of the same classification and grade level; provided, further, that the department may authorize additional tuition assessments for services required by an individualized education program established pursuant to chapter 71B. If a commonwealth virtual school offers online courses to students attending other schools, the commonwealth virtual school shall work with the student's district or school to determine whether the online courses meet said district's or school's standards and requirements and what the commonwealth virtual school will charge the student's district or school for such online courses.
The department may retain not more than $75 per pupil for the administration of the commonwealth virtual school program.
The department, in consultation with the department of youth services, shall determine the appropriate tuition responsibility for students who are in the custody of the department of corrections, a sheriff or the department of youth services.
Students enrolled in a commonwealth virtual school shall be counted in the foundation enrollment of the school district where the student resides.
(l) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations creating a reporting requirement for a commonwealth virtual school's net asset balance at the end of each fiscal year; provided, however, that the report shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the revenue and expenditures for the prior fiscal year with a specific accounting of the uses of public and private dollars; (2) compensation and benefits for teachers, staff, administrators, executives and members of the board of trustees; (3) the amount of funds paid to a management company; (4) the sources of surplus funds, specifically whether the funds are private or public; (5) how surplus funds were used in the previous fiscal year; and (6) the planned use of surplus funds in the upcoming fiscal year and in future fiscal years. The board may establish limits for excess funds that may be retained by commonwealth virtual schools and may require commonwealth virtual schools to return excess funds to school districts.
(m) Each commonwealth virtual school shall submit an annual report, on or before January 1, to the board. The school shall make its report available to the public on its website. The annual report shall be in such form as may be prescribed by the board and shall include, but not be limited to: (1) a discussion of progress made toward the achievement of the goals set forth in the certificate; (2) a list of the programs and courses offered; (3) a description and number of the students enrolled in the commonwealth virtual school by grade level, the number of students eligible for free and reduced price lunch and the number of students who applied and were not admitted; (4) a financial statement describing by appropriate categories the revenue and expenditures for the prior fiscal year and a balance sheet describing the commonwealth virtual school's assets, liabilities and fund balances or equities; (5) information regarding and a discussion of student attendance and participation; (6) information regarding and a discussion of student-teacher interaction; (7) information regarding and a discussion of student performance in the commonwealth virtual school, including data from state assessments and a comparison of students' achievement against the achievement of the students in the sending district; (8) a discussion of how many courses were completed and not completed; (9) a discussion of how the school created a community for students; (10) what activities were included to engage students and how students participated in those activities; (11) a discussion of parental involvement; and (12) a discussion of the school's outreach and recruitment efforts; provided, however, that said report shall include input from teachers and administrators at the virtual school and input from administrators in a district that has established a virtual school or districts that are members of an education collaborative that has established a virtual school.
(n) Each commonwealth virtual school shall maintain an accurate account of all its activities and all its receipts and expenditures and shall annually conduct an independent audit of its accounts. Such audit shall be filed annually, on or before January 1 with the department and the state auditor and shall be in a form prescribed by the state auditor. The state auditor may investigate the budget and finances of commonwealth virtual schools and their financial dealings, transactions and relationships and shall have the power to examine the records of commonwealth virtual schools and to prescribe methods of accounting and the rendering of periodic reports.
(o) On or before September 1, the commissioner shall furnish a supplemental report on the Massachusetts comprehensive assessment system performance results of students served by each commonwealth virtual school and on the racial, ethnic and socio-economic make-up of the students served by each commonwealth virtual school. The commissioner shall also provide information on the number of students enrolled in each commonwealth virtual school who have individualized education programs pursuant to chapter 71B. The department shall make such report available to the public on the department's website.
(p) On or before September 1, the commissioner shall prepare a report on the implementation and impact of this section, including, but not limited to:
(1) the fiscal impact on sending districts;
(2) any necessary adjustments to tuition rates, including whether the amount should vary based on grade or type of school and the appropriate mechanism for funding virtual schools;
(3) information on course completion and student attendance and participation rates;
(4) the academic achievement of students attending commonwealth virtual schools;
(5) the level of supervision or support needed for students in elementary and middle school;
(6) the support necessary or helpful to ensure that students successfully complete online courses;
(7) the professional development virtual school teachers require;
(8) the appropriate enrollment limit for a virtual school, if any, including information about wait lists; and
(9) the need for any changes to the commonwealth virtual school program.
The report shall be based partially on information in each commonwealth virtual school's annual report and financial audits. This report shall include input from virtual school teachers and administrators. The commissioner shall consult with the digital learning advisory council to prepare this report. The commissioner shall file the report with the clerks of the house and senate, who shall forward the report to the joint committee on education. The department shall make the report available to the public on the department's website.
(q) The commissioner shall identify and offer information on online courses which are aligned with state academic standards that districts may use and shall publish that list on the department's website. At least 1 of the online courses listed shall be available at no cost to school districts, provided that such no cost online course is aligned with state academic standards. The list shall be reviewed and updated annually. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude school districts from using other courses not identified by the commissioner.
(r) The board may promulgate regulations for implementation and enforcement of this section, provided that the regulations may include, but shall not be limited to, a provision indicating the appropriate percentage of online academic instruction provided for a school to be considered a commonwealth virtual school pursuant to this section. Upon release of the proposed regulations, the board shall file a copy of the regulations with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, who shall forward the regulations to the joint committee on education. Within 30 days of the filing, the committee may hold a public hearing and issue a report on the regulations and file the report with the board. The board, pursuant to applicable law, may adopt final regulations making revisions to the proposed regulations as it deems appropriate after consideration of the report and shall file a copy of the regulations with the chairpersons of the joint committee on education and, not earlier than 30 days after the filing, the board shall file the final regulations with the state secretary.
(s) Nothing in this section shall preclude a student from taking some or all of the student's classes online when such classes are offered or approved by the school the student attends or by an education collaborative in which the student's school district participates.
This section shall not apply to a virtual school operated by a single school district if the school enrolls only students residing in the school district; provided, however, that such district shall submit a summary description of the proposed virtual school to the commissioner for review and comment at least 4 months in advance of the opening of the virtual school. The commissioner shall then provide written comments on the proposal to each district's school committee.
(t) A school committee may, by vote, restrict enrollment of its students in commonwealth virtual schools if the total enrollment of its students in commonwealth virtual schools exceeds 1 per cent of the total enrollment in its district; provided, however, that no student enrolled in a commonwealth virtual school shall be compelled to withdraw as a result of that vote.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part I - Administration of the Government

Title XII - Education

Chapter 71 - Public Schools

Section 1 - Maintenance; Double Sessions; Subjects; Twelve-Month School Year

Section 11/2 - Definitions; Applicability of Sec. 2 of Chapter 70

Section 1a - Period of Silence

Section 1b - Voluntary Prayer

Section 1c - Workshops on Rights of Students and Their Parents Under Special Education Laws of the Commonwealth and the Federal Government

Section 2 - Teaching of History and Social Science; Professional Development; Student-Led Civic Projects; Commonwealth Civics Challenge

Section 2a - Use of Tobacco Products Within School Buildings or Facilities or on School Grounds

Section 2b - Courses in American Sign Language

Section 2c - Implementation of Policy and Discipline Code Addressing Teen Dating Violence in Public Schools

Section 3 - Physical Education

Section 4 - High Schools; Maintenance; Diplomas Awarded to Veterans

Section 4a - Failure to Keep Schools Open for Required Period; Penalty

Section 6 - Education in Out-of-Town High Schools

Section 6a - Admission of Students From Outside Commonwealth

Section 7a - Transportation of Pupils; Payment of Costs; Limitations

Section 7b - Transportation of Pupils; Reimbursement of Costs; Determination of Amount; Use of Funds

Section 7c - Bus Transportation Programs; Financial Assistance

Section 10 - Expenses of Physically Disabled Children

Section 11 - High School; Definition

Section 13 - Requested Courses; School Committee Approval

Section 13d - High Schools; Required Subjects; Driver Training

Section 13f - Broadcast and Television Facilities; Cost of Program; Executive Committee for Educational Television

Section 13g - Executive Committee for Educational Television; Rules and Regulations; Personnel

Section 13h - Educational Television Program Fund; Accounts and Reports

Section 13i - Executive Committee for Educational Television; Powers and Duties

Section 14 - Regional School District Planning Committee; Creation; Membership

Section 14a - Duties of Planning Board

Section 14b - Regional School Districts; Formation; Procedure

Section 14c - Lease or Sale of Property to Regional School Districts

Section 14d - Regional School District Planning Board; Agreement; Approval of Indebtedness

Section 14e - Regional School District Committee Membership Options

Section 15 - Acceptance of Organization Provisions by Electorate

Section 16 - Regional School Districts; Status; Powers and Duties

Section 16a - Regional District School Committee; Selection, Powers and Duties of Officers; Signing of Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrants; Audits

Section 16b - Budgets; Apportionment of Expenses

Section 16b1/2 - Excess and Deficiency Fund; Surplus Funds Used to Reduce Assessments

Section 16c - Regional School Districts; School Transportation

Section 16d - Aid From State

Section 16d1/2 - Monies Received as Nonresident Tuition or Reimbursements From Commonwealth for Foster Care Children

Section 16e - Regional School Districts; Audits; Payment of Costs

Section 16f - Retirement System

Section 16g - Liability of Towns for Expenses of District

Section 16g1/2 - Stabilization Fund

Section 16i - Severability of Sections Relating to Regional School Districts

Section 17a - Culinary Arts Program; Special Fund

Section 18 - Evening Schools

Section 19 - Evening Classes in High Schools

Section 20 - Notice of Evening Schools; Publication; Fees for Instruction

Section 20a - Instructional Materials Trust Fund

Section 21 - Continuation Schools; Establishment; Conditions

Section 22 - Attendance

Section 23 - Use of Existing Educational Facilities

Section 24 - Cost of Maintenance; Source of Funds

Section 25 - Unemployed Minors; Attendance Requirements

Section 26 - Penalty for Failure to Establish or Maintain School

Section 26a - Extended School Services for Children; Establishment; Conditions

Section 26b - Extended School Services for Children; Organization and Operation of Plan

Section 26c - Extended School Services for Children; Contributions and Federal Funds; Use

Section 26d - Borrowing in Anticipation of Federal Funds

Section 27 - Lectures

Section 28 - Summer Schools

Section 30 - Moral Education

Section 31 - Bible Reading

Section 31a - Guidelines for Celebration of Holidays Authorized

Section 32 - Observance of Memorial Day

Section 32a - Sex Education; Policy Regarding Notice to Parents, Exception

Section 34 - Support of Schools; Appropriations; Recommendations

Section 34a - Transcript of Student's Record; Availability

Section 34b - Remedy for Failure to Furnish Transcript of Student's Record

Section 34d - Student Records; Maintenance, Storage, Destruction, etc.; Inspection by Parent or Guardian

Section 34e - Inspection of Student Records; Persons Authorized

Section 34g - Private Schools; Transfer of Transcripts Upon Ceasing Operation

Section 34h - Noncustodial Parents; Receipt of Information for Child Enrolled in Public Elementary or Secondary Schools; Notice to Custodial Parent

Section 35 - Beginning of Term

Section 36 - Secretary; Appointment; Duties

Section 36a - Orientation for School Committee Members

Section 37 - Powers and Duties; Superintendent Serving Joint Districts

Section 37a - Grants; Acceptance and Disbursement

Section 37b - Purchase of or Making Payments to Annuities or Investments

Section 37c - Promotion of Racial Balance

Section 37d - Racial Imbalance; Definitions; Statistics; Transfers; Priorities; Plans for Elimination; Public Hearings; Regulations; Jurisdiction; Costs; Attorney's Fees

Section 37e - Legal Counsel for Collective Bargaining

Section 37f - Legal Counsel for General Purposes

Section 37g - Corporal Punishment of Pupils Prohibited; Use of Physical Restraint; Regulations

Section 37h - Policies Relative to Conduct of Teachers or Students; Student Handbooks

Section 37h1/2 - Felony Complaint or Conviction of Student; Suspension; Expulsion; Right to Appeal

Section 37h3/4 - Suspension or Expulsion on Grounds Other Than Those Set Forth in Secs. 37h or 37h1/2

Section 37i - Magnet School Facilities; Grants; Application; Approval; Agreements; Eligible Costs; Regulations

Section 37j - Magnet Educational Programs; Reimbursement for Cost; Definition; Contracts; Joining Programs

Section 37k - Business Demonstration Projects; Disposition of Proceeds

Section 37l - Notification to School Personnel of Reporting Requirements for Child Abuse and Neglect and Fires; Reports of Students Possessing or Using Dangerous Weapons on School Premises; Transferred Students' School Records

Section 37m - Consolidation of Administrative Functions With City or Town

Section 37n - Policy for School-Sponsored Student Travel

Section 37o - School Bullying Prohibited; Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plans; Reporting of Bullying Incident Date

Section 37p - School Resource Officers; Model School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding; Review Commission; Assignment of Officers

Section 37q - Mental Health Support Plans

Section 37r - Possession and Access to Two-Way Communication Device for Communicating With Police and Fire Departments During Emergency Situation

Section 38 - Employment of Teachers, Aides, Principals, etc.; Designation of Horace Mann Teachers; Performance Evaluations; Performance Standards

Section 38a - Duties; Appointment of Director of Occupational Guidance, Duties of Director

Section 38c - Status of Director of Occupational Guidance

Section 38d - District Directors of Occupational Guidance; Appointment

Section 38f - Fees for Services of Directors of Occupational Guidance; Prohibition; Penalty for Violation

Section 38g - Certification for Certain Teaching and Administrative Positions; Provisional and Standard Certificates; Policies and Guidelines Regarding Requirements and Qualifications; Applications; Recommendations; Review; Continuing Education; Rene...

Section 38g1/2 - Specialist Teacher Endorsement in Transition Services; Transition of Students With Disabilities to Post-School Activities

Section 38h - School Librarian and School Library Supervisor or Co-Ordinator; Tenure

Section 38i - Reimbursement of Teachers for Tuitions and Fees

Section 38k - Public Relations Bureau in School Departments; Establishment

Section 38m - Student Advisory Committees

Section 38n - Proposed Annual Budgets; Public Hearings Required; Quorum

Section 38o - Sex Education Advisory Committees

Section 38p - School Psychologists; Tenure

Section 38q - Professional Development Plans; Statewide Assistance Plan

Section 38q1/2 - Curriculum Accommodation Plan

Section 38r - Criminal Background Check of Current or Prospective School Employee, Volunteer, or Other Persons Having Direct and Unmonitored Contact With Children; Criminal Offender Record Information; State and National Fingerprint-Based Criminal Ba...

Section 39 - Teacher's Application Forms; Questions Concerning Religion or Politics

Section 40 - Compensation of Teachers; Deferred Payment

Section 41 - Tenure of Teachers and Superintendents; Persons Entitled to Professional Teacher Status; Dismissal; Review

Section 41a - Leaves of Absence of Professional Staff

Section 41b - Leaves of Absence; Peace Corps

Section 42 - Dismissal or Demotion of Teachers or Other Employees of School or School District; Arbitration

Section 42b - Rights of School Employees in Regional Districts

Section 42c - Records of Teachers; Inspection

Section 42d - Suspension of District Employees

Section 43 - Reduction of Salaries; Conditions

Section 44 - Restrictions on Teachers' Political Rights; Prohibition

Section 45 - Procurement of Teaching Positions; Regulation of Fees; Penalty for Violation

Section 47 - Athletic Programs; School Organizations; Student Activity Accounts

Section 47a - Athletic Coaches; Employment

Section 48 - Textbooks and School Supplies

Section 48a - School Safety Patrols; Functions, Limitations; Liability

Section 48b - Uniforms of School Employees

Section 49 - Purchase of Textbooks by Pupils

Section 49a - Orders for Materials and Equipment; Contracts for Services

Section 50 - Change of School Books

Section 51 - Exhibition of School Work at Expositions

Section 52 - Compensation of School Committee Members

Section 53 - School Physicians and Nurses

Section 53a - Employment of Medical Personnel by Superintendency District or Union; Compensation; Removal

Section 53b - Towns Within a Superintendency District or Union; Exemption From Appointment Requirement

Section 54 - Examination of Children and School Personnel

Section 54a - Physician or Person Trained in Emergency Medical Care; Assignment to Interscholastic Football Games

Section 54b - Administration of Medications in School Settings; Regulations

Section 54c - Automated External Defibrillators Required at School Facilities; Certified Aed Providers; Hardship Waivers; Personal Liability; Regulations

Section 55 - Contagious Diseases; Regulations

Section 55a - Sick, Injured or Incapacitated Pupils; Procedure for Handling; Emergency First Aid or Transportation; Exemption From Civil Liability

Section 55c - Eye Protective Devices

Section 55d - Musical Wind Instruments; Notification of Sanitization and Option to Sterilize at Parental Expense

Section 56 - Sick Children; Notification of Parents

Section 57 - Physical Examination of Pupils; Eye Examination, Written Report

Section 57a - Students With Potential Indicators of a Neurological Learning Disability; Guidelines for Development of Screening Procedures

Section 59 - Superintendent of Schools; Appointment; Compensation; Powers and Duties

Section 59a - Superintendents of Schools in Small Towns; Appointment; State Aid for Compensation

Section 59b - Principals; Appointment; Compensation; Duties; Appointment of Other Personnel

Section 59c - School Councils; Members; Meetings; Duties

Section 59d - School-Community Partnerships; Grant Program

Section 61 - Superintendent of Schools; Employment by a Town Union; Termination of Town Participation in a Union

Section 62 - Readjustment of Town Unions

Section 63 - School Committees as Joint Committee; Representation: Meetings; Employment of Superintendent, Removal

Section 64 - Union Superintendent; Compensation

Section 67 - Superintendents of Schools; Penalty for Accepting Fees for Obtaining Positions; Employment of Immediate Family of Certain Persons Prohibited

Section 68 - Duties of Towns to Maintain Schools; Transportation of Children; School Building Committee Representation

Section 69 - Display of National Flags; Pledge of Allegiance; Penalty for Violation

Section 69a - Plaque Reading ''for God and Country''; Placement on Public School Buildings

Section 70 - Location of Schools

Section 71 - Use of School Property; Purposes

Section 71a - Highway Safety Stations; Designation, Discontinuance

Section 71b - Adult Physical Fitness Programs

Section 71c - Community School Programs; Receipts; Deposit and Expenditure

Section 71d - Prepayment of Tuition to Private Schools or Program Sources

Section 71e - Appropriations for and Expenditure of Receipts From Adult Education and Continuing Education Programs

Section 71f - Nonresident or Foster Care Students; Deposit of Tuition Payments and State Reimbursements; Expenditures and Appropriations

Section 72 - Sale of Lunches

Section 72a - Implementation the Federal Community Eligibility Provision; Waiver; Training; Certification of Students for Free School Meal Status

Section 72b - Unpaid Student Meal Debt; Determination of Whether Student Is Categorically-Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Meals

Section 73 - Closing of School for Teachers' Meetings

Section 74 - Management of Schools Funds by Private Corporations

Section 75 - Extended Courses of Instruction

Section 76 - Rules of Admission

Section 77 - Joint Establishment of Extended Courses

Section 79 - Junior College Designation, Degrees

Section 80 - Lunch Period for Teachers

Section 81 - Junior Colleges; Restriction on Establishment

Section 82 - Public Secondary Schools; Right of Students to Freedom of Expression; Limitations; Definitions

Section 83 - Dress and Appearance of Students Protected

Section 84 - Discipline of Students on Matters Unrelated to School-Sponsored Activities Prohibited

Section 85 - Guidelines Implementing Secs. 82 to 84; Rules and Regulations; Adoption; Emergencies; Procedures

Section 86 - Application of Secs. 83 to 85

Section 87 - Intelligence Test Scores; Records

Section 88 - Military Recruiters; On-Campus Recruiting Opportunities

Section 89 - Commonwealth Charter Schools; Horace Mann Charter Schools; Applications; Enrollment; Employees; Funding

Section 90 - Classroom Placement of Twins or Higher Order Multiples

Section 91 - Recovery High School; Definition; Enrollment; Student Performance; Rules and Regulations; Deduction of Home School District Allotment for Failure to Transfer Funds as Required

Section 92 - Innovation Schools

Section 93 - Policy Regarding Internet Safety Measures for Schools Providing Computer Access to Students

Section 94 - Commonwealth Virtual Schools

Section 95 - Reimbursement Aid to Municipalities for Costs Incurred for Federal Military Reservation Students

Section 96 - Substance Use Prevention and Abuse Education Policies for Public Schools

Section 97 - Verbal Screening Tool for Substance Abuse Disorders

Section 98 - Instruction on the History of Genocide