Decision follows new state mandate requiring lottery admissions for all vocational schools
The Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee voted this week to adopt an unweighted lottery admissions system beginning with mid-year 2025-2026 transfer applicants, and into next year’s general admissions process. The decision follows new regulations adopted this fall by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education requiring all career and technical education schools to use a lottery-based admissions process.
Under the new system, every student who submits a completed, on-time application will have an equal opportunity to be selected for admission.
Whittier officials acknowledge that this change was not initiated locally and that community members may have concerns, but emphasized their commitment to fairness and transparency in carrying out the state mandate.
“These new regulations were not changes that Whittier Tech sought, but we are required to implement them,” said Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “Our focus now is to ensure the process is handled in the most fair and transparent way possible, while maintaining the high expectations that define a Whittier Tech education.”
Key points about the admissions process:
â—Ź State requirement: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued updated guidance in August 2025 mandating the use of lottery admissions. This follows a May 20, 2025, vote by the Massachusetts Board of Education requiring that all vocational schools with waitlists implement a lottery-based admissions process.
â—Ź Equal access: Every applicant with a completed, on-time application will be entered once into the lottery.
● High standards remain: Admission is only the first step. Whittier’s rigorous academic and technical programs, as well as expectations for attendance and conduct, remain unchanged.
“At Whittier Tech, our mission has not changed,” added Lynch. “We remain dedicated to empowering students to succeed in a safe, supportive, and challenging environment. While this change is required by the state, our commitment to our students and families is unwavering.”