Policy file: JECBB
It is the intent of the Lincoln School Committee to offer students the benefits of a multicultural educational experience by contracting through the Department of Education, under the provisions of Chapter 71, Sections 37C & 37D of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to bring a limited number of minority students from Boston to the Lincoln campus.
Number of Students to be Enrolled
Every attempt will be made to enroll at least two METCO students per classroom. The district will enroll a total of 91 students based on the current grant allocation from the Massachusetts Department of Education. In the event that the grant allocation changes, the School Committee may adjust the total number of METCO students. When it is clear that space is available under the School Committee's class size policy, both for the present year and future years as projected, the Superintendent may recommend for School Committee approval that the number of METCO students may be increased up to four per classroom. Consideration for accepting additional students will also include available funds and the desirable educational benefit for all students. Determination of space availability will be made by the Superintendent acknowledging predictable patterns of growth or decline of Lincoln students in various grades.
Enrollment of Students
First priority will be given to students enrolled in the district during the previous school year. Unless State, local or private funding is not available, children admitted to the Lincoln schools will continue through graduation from the eighth grade.
Second priority will be given to entering Kindergarten students.
Third priority will be given to new students in Grades 1 through 8 to maintain the commitment of two per classroom.
Fourth priority will be given to new students in Grades 1 through 8 to achieve the number of up to four per classroom under the conditions described above. Enrollment recommendations by the Superintendent under this priority will be coordinated with recommendations made under policy JECB governing attendance of non-residents in Lincoln Schools.
Enrollment decisions will be made jointly by the METCO Director, the School Principal and the Director of Special Education.
If the Individual Education Plan (IEP) of a non-resident METCO student recommends placement in a program outside of the Lincoln Public Schools, the placement and funding remain the responsibility of the Boston Public Schools.
Replacement of Students
If students enrolled in Grades K through 8 transfer out of the district during the school year, an equal number of students may be admitted at the start of the following school year if space is available.
Necessity for School Committee Approval
Prior School Committee approval is always required for students entering at all grades
Approved at School Committee Meeting of May 11, 1981
Revised at School Committee Meeting of June 16, 1986
Revised at School Committee Meeting of January 28, 1991
Revised at School Committee Meeting of September 21, 1992
Revised at School Committee Meeting of May 6, 2004