Marlborough School Committee to oppose AMSA charter enrollment expansion

MARLBOROUGH — October 8, 2024 — Marlborough School Committee to file comments opposing AMSA charter enrollment cap increase. The superintendent told members Tuesday that the Advanced Math and Science Academy's amendment request, triggered by Marlborough's MCAS-based cap rising to 18 percent, could shift roughly 20 more Marlborough students to the charter despite the district being in no state accountability status. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will consider the request between Jan. 28 and Feb. 24, 2025. Members also reviewed discipline data showing documented bullying offenses jumped from 15 to 45 year-over-year, concentrated at Whitcomb Middle School. Resident Kevin Macioli of Ridge Road urged the committee to convene a bullying-prevention working group, calling the increase evidence of "45 more kids in the center of the room." District enrollment stood at 4,786 as of Oct. 8.