Lincoln School Committee withdraws from state school choice for 2025-26

LINCOLN -- March 6, 2025, Lincoln School Committee opts out of state school choice for sixth straight year. Following a public hearing at which no residents spoke, the committee voted unanimously March 6 to withdraw from the Massachusetts school choice program for 2025-26 on Superintendent Perry Graham's recommendation, with Graham saying participation would not serve the district's "operational financial interests." The committee also accepted a $2,000 Lincoln School Foundation grant for new Spanish teacher Ann Mastu to attend the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese conference in Panama City, and finalized a second reading of revised "I" series instructional policies. Business and Finance Administrator Angela Wang reported three FY26 capital projects totaling $139,280 advancing to town meeting after the Capital Planning Committee declined a $50,000 Community Center-to-Hartwell generator line. Chair Matina Madrick described a state bill, raised at a superintendents' legislative breakfast, that would cap municipal out-of-district special education tuition increases at 2.5 percent with the remainder paid through Fair Share Amendment revenue.