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Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

Digital Learning Advisory Council

The 2013 virtual schools legislation (Chapter 379 of the Acts of 2012, An Act Establishing Commonwealth Virtual Schools) created a Digital Learning Advisory Council to advise the Board and the Commissioner on:

  • The development of policies guiding virtual schools, supplemental online courses, education technology, and other matters related to virtual education.
  • The identification of best practices to encourage online education to complement classroom instruction in district schools.
  • The assessment of the appropriateness of the fee that the Department may retain for the administration of the virtual school program.

The council members are appointed by the Commissioner, on behalf of the Board. The council shall consist of 15 members. The law specifies that the advisory council include one representative from the following organizations:

  • American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts (MFT)
  • Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA)
  • Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS)
  • Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC)
  • Virtual High School (VHS) Collaborative*

As well as the following representatives:

  • Massachusetts secondary school administrator
  • Representative of non-profit organization that conducts research and training related to online education
  • Representative of institution of higher education that provides online education for K to 12
  • Parent of student(s) currently attending a virtual school in Massachusetts

Additional at-large members may be appointed by the Commissioner.

In accordance with the law:

  • The members serving on the council may be school committee members, school superintendents, professional educators, parents, students, or individuals with expertise in virtual education. A reasonable balance of members representing business, labor, civic, educational, parental, and professional groups is to be maintained. Members serving on the council are to represent a reasonable statewide geographic balance. The commissioner, with the approval of the board, shall appoint the chair of the council. The commissioner or a designee shall serve as the secretary to the council. The members will be appointed for a term of three years and can serve up to two consecutive terms.

Annual Report

DLAC Membership as of September 2024

NameTitleInstitutionTermRepresentative
Dr. Daniel DownsAdjunct Professor Bunker Hill Community College and Northern Essex Community College March 2022–March 2025 (1st)Institution of higher education that provides online for students in any grades from K–12
Ms. Sarah HaavindSenior Research Project ManagerThe Concord ConsortiumDecember 2022–December 2025 (2nd)At-Large
Ms. Cindy YetmanVice President American Federation of Teachers - Massachusetts March 2022–March 2025 (1st)American Federation of Teachers
Mr. Jared PerrineDirector of TechnologyNarragansett Regional School DistrictDecember 2022–December 2025 (2nd)At-Large
Mr. Bill SilverDirector of Information Communication and Technology ServicesChelmsford Public SchoolsDecember 2022–December 2025 (2nd)At-Large
Ms. Stacy YoungAssociate Dean of InstructionVHS Learning March 2022–March 2025 (1st) Virtual High School
Ms. Elizabeth TripathiEducation Policy Specialist Massachusetts Teachers Association January 2023–January 2026 (1st) Massachusetts Teachers Association
Dr. Scott MorrisonSuperintendent of SchoolsTri-Town School Union Public Schools December arch 2023–December 2026 (1st) Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents

2024-25 Meeting Schedule

DateTimeLocationAgenda/Minutes
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Remote Participation — Online September 25, 2024 Agenda
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Remote Participation — Online
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Remote Participation — Online
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Remote Participation — Online

Department Liaisons



* In January of 2020, the Virtual High School has changed its name to VHS Learning.

Last Updated: September 20, 2024

 
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