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Office of the Commissioner

Education Leaders' Checklist

The Department creates the Education Leaders' Checklist to help school and district leaders meet a variety of federal and state requirements and responsibilities. The checklist is intended to provide general guidance and does not necessarily include every applicable requirement or consideration. The checklist and items in it may be updated as additional information becomes available.

  • Download the Checklist in Excel
    The checklist was last updated on September 1, 2026.
    Note: On 9/1/2026 the resource links and extension information were corrected for rows 107, 108, 109, and 123 (E-rate). The resource link for row 76 (Emergency Licensure) was also updated.

This checklist is intended to provide general guidance and may not include every applicable requirement or consideration. Items may be updated, revised, or supplemented as additional information becomes available.

Related resources: Security Portal Link (opens in new window)  |  Grants Management

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Showing all 153 checklist items.

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2026-2027 Education Leaders Checklist — 153 checklist items
Recommended Start Date Item Resource Phone DESE Contact
Charters May 7/31/2026 Submit FY26 Charter School Annual Report (charter schools only). Charters: Accountability (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Early Sept 10/8/2026 Submit 2026-2027 Charter School Updated Waitlist Report (charter schools only). Charters: Enrollment (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Early Sept 10/27/2026 Submit 2026-2027 Charter School Sibling Verification Fall Module (charter schools only). Charters: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters July/Aug 10/30/2026 Submit FY26 Independent Financial Audit (charter schools only). Charters: Accounting and Auditing (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Early Nov 11/13/2026 Submit FY26 Charter School End of Year Financial Report (charter schools only). Charters: EOYFR (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Mid Nov 12/3/2026 Submit 2027-2028 Charter School Pre-Enrollment Estimate Report (charter schools only). Charters: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Mid Feb 3/11/2027 Submit 2027-2028 Charter School Pre-Enrollment and Sibling Pre-Enrollment Report (charter schools only). Charters: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Mid Feb 3/11/2027 Submit 2027-2028 Charter School Initial Waitlist Report (charter schools only). Charters: Enrollment (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Early April 5/7/2027 Submit Charter School Spring Claim Form (charter schools only). Spring claim forms will be available in the MA Education Security Portal in early April. Charters: Spring Claim Form (781) 338-6511 Charter School Claim Form
Charters Mid April 5/27/2027 Submit 2026-2027 Charter School Sibling Verification Spring Module (charter schools only). Charters: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters May 7/30/2027 Charter Schools submit Student Opportunity Act Three-Year Gap-Closing Plan Progress Report to DESE. Charters: FY26 SOA (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Charters Early May 7/30/2027 Submit FY27 Charter School Annual Report (charter schools only). Charters: Accountability (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
CMVS Early July 9/1/2026 Submit FY26 CMVS Annual Report (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools only). CMVS (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
CMVS Sept 1/1/2027 Submit FY26 Independent Financial Audit (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools only). CMVS: Independent Financial Audit (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
CMVS Early Nov 1/29/2027 Submit FY26 CMVS end-of-year financial report (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools only). CMVS (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
CMVS March 4/29/2027 Submit CMVS pre-enrollment report for 2027-2028 (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools only). CMVS: EoY Financial Report (opens in new window) (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
CMVS 7/1/2026 9/1/2027 Submit FY27 CMVS Annual Report (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools only). Charters: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Data Report 7/1/2026 9/18/2026 Update and submit school and district contact information in the Nutrition Application Renewal section of the Security Portal to ensure correct receipt of important messages from DESE regarding school nutrition programs and claims. Data Report: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-6480 School Nutrition
Data Report 7/1/2026 9/30/2026 Districts with designated Innovation Career Pathways programs submit qualitative information about programming to the Office for College, Career, and Technical Education. Data Report: Innovation Career Pathways (781) 338-3910 College, Career and Technical Education
Data Report Early Sept 10/1/2026 Submit Secondary School Anti-Hazing Report (secondary schools). See G.L. c. 269, §§17-19; 603 CMR 33.00. Data Report: Anti-Hazing (781) 338-3708 Public School Monitoring
Data Report 10/1/2026 10/23/2026 Submit October 1 SIMS (Student Information Management System) data (collection opening date is tentative). Data Report: SIMS (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report 10/2/2026 10/27/2026 For schools with State Designated CTE (C74) programs, submit Chapter 74 Admissions collection. Data Report: CCTE (781) 338-3910 College, Career and Technical Education
Data Report 10/2/2026 10/27/2026 For schools with postsecondary CTE (C74) programs, submit Chapter 74 postsecondary/postgraduate report if applicable. Data Report: CCTE (781) 338-3910 College, Career and Technical Education
Data Report 10/1/2026 1/31/2027 Enter child count for parentally-placed and home-schooled children in private schools and FY25 equitable services record keeping in GEM$ IDEA Child Count and Record Keeping Application Supplement. Data Report: IDEA (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Data Report 11/2/2026 11/16/2026 Submit Title IVA data via the Application Supplement in the Grants for Education Management System (GEM$) --- applicable to recipients of FY25 Title IVA funds). Data Report: Title IV-A (781) 338-6230 Federal Grant Programs
Data Report 10/1/2026 12/11/2026 Submit October 1 EPIMS (Education Personnel Information Management System) and SCS (Student Course Schedule) data (collection opening date is tentative). Data Report: EPIMS (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report 10/1/2026 12/11/2026 Submit new personnel agreements (personnel contracts and collective bargaining agreements) to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. See G.L. c. 15, § 55A. Data Report: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3246 Contract Agreements
Data Report 10/1/2026 12/18/2026 Submit Individual Non-Public School Report(s). Data Report: Reporting Schedule (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report 1/1/2027 2/26/2027 Submit School-Attending Children Report (not submitted by charter and regional CTE schools). Data Report: Reporting Schedule (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report 3/1/2027 3/26/2027 Submit March 1 SIMS data (collection opening date is tentative). Data Report: SIMS Schedule (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report Oct 3/31/2027 For schools with State Designated CTE (C74) programs, Innovation Career Pathways or Locally Approved Career Connections Programs (n74), submit and certify grad follow-up report of graduates from programs. Data Report: Perkins Funding (781) 338-3910 College, Career and Technical Education
Data Report Mid March 4/15/2027 Submit the district's Identified Student Percentage (ISP) data of students that have been directly certified (dc) as eligible for free meals. Submission starts the application process for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). ISP must include students who are directly certified for free school meals during the current school year and are still enrolled as of April 1. Data Report: Child Nutrition Programs (781) 338-6480 School Nutrition
Data Report 6/1/2027 6/30/2027 Submit FY27 Title I data via the Title I Data Collection in the Grants for Education Management System (GEM$) --- applicable to recipients of FY27 Title I funds). Data Report: Title I-A (781) 338-6230 Federal Grant Programs
Data Report Fall Late June Collect and enter data on all physical restraints into the security portal. Note that physical restraints that resulted in an injury must be reported to DESE through the security portal no later than 3 school working days of the administration of the restraint. Annually review and certify that all restraint data in the security portal is correct, even if 0 restraints occurred during the school year. Data Report: Restraint (781) 338-3010 Restraint Data Collection
Data Report 6/1/2027 7/9/2027 Submit end-of-year SIMS data (collection opening date is tentative). Data Report: SIMS Schedule (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report 9/1/2026 8/13/2027 Submit School Safety and Discipline Report (SSDR), including bullying incident data. See G.L. c. 71, § 37O(k). Data Report: SSDR (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report 6/1/2027 8/13/2027 Submit end-of-year EPIMS (Education Personnel Information Management System) and SCS (Student Course Schedule) data (collection opening date is tentative). Data Report: SIMS Schedule (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report Annually Aug 1 The Superintendent shall report to DESE using this data collection tool (opens in new window), and publicly present information to the relevant school committee on: (i) the cost to the school district of assigning a school resource officer and (ii) a description of the proposed budget for mental, social or emotional health support personnel for the school. Also, email updated FY27 SRO MOUs and accompanying operating procedures to SROMOU@mass.gov . Data Report: SRO MSEH BHC (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Data Report Early March Early April Submit Regional Student Advisory Council student representatives for council participation to DESE. See G.L. c. 15, §1E. Data Report: Elections (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Data Report 5/4/2026 End of Sept Conduct Indicator 14: Post School Outcomes data collection activities for exiters from previous school year. Data Report: MA SPP and MA APR (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Data Report Late Sept
(tentative)
Late Sept
(tentative)
DESE releases official district and school accountability data to the public. Embargo lifted on discussion of results. Data Report: Accountability (opens in new window) (781) 338-3550 District & School Accountability Systems
Data Report Ongoing Late Summer Enter entry and exit ratings for Indicator 7: Preschool Outcomes in the ECOS application in the Security Portal. ECOS is updated three times a year after SIMS submissions. Data Report: MA SPP and MA APR (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Data Report Mid Aug Mid Sep Notify DESE of school openings/closings/information changes via an ESP application (available Summer 2026) Data Report: Directory Administration (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Data Report Early June Mid July Certify and submit annual homeless and foster care data collection. Data Report: Homeless and Foster Care (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Data Report Ongoing Oct Check curriculum materials report in Profiles and update any changes in the use of curriculum materials used for ELA (both foundational skills and core), math, and science in schools. Data Report: Curriculum (781) 338-3244 Teaching & Learning
Data Report Determinations
Issued Early Spring
Ongoing Review LEA Determinations for Special Education and develop or update action plans. Plan for 2% set aside for improvement planning for LEAs identified as "Needs Improvement" for the next fiscal year. Data Report: Making Money Matter (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Data Report Fall Spring Review significant disproportionality determination(s) and develop or update action plans and review and update policies, procedures, and practices, as needed. Submit action plans and required documentation to the Department. Plan for 15% set aside for LEAs identified as having significant disproportionality during next fiscal year. Data Report: Significant Disproportionality (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Data Report Ongoing Summer Collect district level information related to the use of C/CEIS funds as well as the total number of children serviced and total number found eligible for special education and/or related services who were serviced under those funds. Submit information to the Department in Late Spring 2027. Data Report: Significant Disproportionality (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Data Review 4/1/2026 10/1/2027 Use the Student Learning Experience Summary Report to identify any equity gaps (disparities that result in historically disadvantaged students being taught at higher rates than other students by teachers who are ineffective, out-of-field, or inexperienced teachers in your district or in any one of your schools), and utilize data to inform student assignment and hiring needs. See Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 1111(g)(1)(B). Data Review: Edwin Student Learning Experience (781) 338-3248 Educator Development
Data Review March Aug Use the Teacher Preparation Partnership Pipeline Report in EDWIN (EP903) to inform recruitment and hiring needs as well as strategic partnerships with preparation providers. Data Review: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3253 Educator Development
Data Review Late Aug (tentative) Early Sept (tentative) Review preliminary district and school accountability data via the Accountability Data application in the Security Portal/MassEdu Gateway. Data Review: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-3550 District & School Accountability Systems
Data Review Late Aug/
Early Sept
Ongoing Review EWIS (Early Warning Indicator System) data in Edwin to understand who is at risk of missing important academic milestones. Plan how to use EWIS data, alongside local data and other EWIS resources, to put students on a path to success by intervening early. Data Review: EWIS (781) 338-3593 EWIS
Data Review 8/5/2026 8/10/2026 Principals review MCAS preliminary data during discrepancy review period and report discrepancies to ensure review/resolution before generation of Individual Student Reports and official release. Data Review: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Finance 8/1/2026 9/30/2026 Submit Final Expenditure Reports (FER) to close out FY2026 grants that ended on 6/30. Refer to Grant Award Notice (GAN). LEA Fiscal Rep is the GEM$ role responsible for submitting FERs. All grant expenses must be paid and the FER filing represents actual final expenditures. Finance: FER GEM$ (opens in new window) (781) 338-6595 Grants Management
Finance Early Sept 9/30/2026 Submit End-of-Year Financial Report for prior school year (except charter and CMVS). Finance: EoY Financial Report (781) 338-6512 Rob O'Donnell
Finance May 9/30/2026 Submit Conditions of Assistance with the IDEA consolidated grant application via GEM$ and update special education policies and procedures as required. Finance: IDEA Part B (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Finance 10/1/2026 11/30/2026 Submit Final Expenditure Reports (FER) to close out FY2027 Summer only grants with 8/31 end. Refer to Grant Award Notice (GAN). LEA Fiscal Rep is the GEM$ role responsible for submitting FERs. All grant expenses must be paid and the FER filing represents actual final expenditures. Finance: IDEA Part B (781) 338-6595 Grants Management
Finance Early March 3/26/2027 Submit applications for circuit breaker extraordinary relief payments (if applicable). Finance: Circuit Breaker (781) 338-6594 Circuit Breaker Program
Finance Ongoing 3/31/2027 Submit End of Year Compliance Supplements to DESE (within nine months of the close of the previous fiscal year). Finance: Compliance Supplement (781) 338-6512 Rob O'Donnell
Finance Early April 5/8/2027 Submit School Choice Spring Claim Forms (submitted by receiving districts) to finalize school choice tuition payments for the fiscal year. Claim forms will be available in the MA Education Security Portal in early April. Finance: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-6517 School Choice
Finance Mid June 7/16/2027 Submit final special education circuit breaker claims for preceding school year. Finance: Circuit Breaker (781) 338-6594 Circuit Breaker Program
Finance Summer Fall Submit Federal grant applications via GEM$. Finance: GEM$ (opens in new window) (781) 338-6230 Federal Grant Programs
Finance Mid Dec/Early Jan Feb Review School Choice and Charter School Winter Rosters for accuracy. Winter rosters will be available in the MA Education Security Portal in December. Finance: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-6517 School Choice
Finance Mid June July Review final School Choice and Charter School Spring Rosters for accuracy. Spring rosters will be available in the MA Education Security Portal in June Finance: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-6517 School Choice
Finance Ongoing Ongoing Submit grant Reimbursement Requests for incurred costs. Finance: Education Security Portal (opens in new window) (781) 338-6595 Grants Management
Finance June/July RFP due date Submit grant applications for any grants projected to have a 9/1 start date. DESE program contacts as well as goals and priorities of each grant are included in the RFP posting. Finance: Grant Funding Opportunities (781) 338-6595 Grants Management
Finance November 1/31/2027 Submit FY26 IDEA excess cost calculation in the GEM$ IDEA Excess Cost Calculator Application Supplement Finance: IDEA Excess Costs Calculation (opens in new window) (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Health Aug Ongoing Apply for CLIA Certificate of Waiver if administering CLIA-waived testing (certain glucose, ketone, and COVID-19 tests) in school. Health: CLIA (opens in new window) (781) 338-3563 CLIALab@mass.gov
Health Ongoing Ongoing Licensed healthcare professionals administer prescription medications unless the school completes an application to delegate administration to unlicensed personnel, per 105 CMR 210.00 (https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.html) Health: Medical Administration (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Health Ongoing Ongoing Trained staff administer screenings (such as vision, hearing, and postural screenings) in accordance with the applicable requirements, per 105 CMR 200 (opens in new window); G.L. c. 111, §§ 3 and 5; G.L. c. 71, § 57 (opens in new window) Health: Screening (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Human Resources Mid Aug 9/30/2026 Send civil rights and equal education notices to school employees and notify of training dates. HR: 603 CMR 26.00 (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Human Resources 7/1/2026 6/30/2027 For staff employed under an emergency license or emergency extension, discuss potential strategies and supports available to obtain a temporary, initial, provisional, or preliminary license, including the relevant MTEL tests. Reminder, if someone has an Emergency Extension II, they are on their last extension. HR: Educator Licensure (781) 338-3065 Licensure
Human Resources Mid Aug Beginning of School Year Prior to the beginning of each school year, verify that each educator in an English learner program is properly endorsed for that program. See G.L. c. 71A, § 10. Call Commissioner's Licensure Hotline (781-338-3065) for assistance. Checks can be completed via ELAR. HR: ELAR (opens in new window) (781) 338-3065 Brian Devine
Human Resources Mid Aug Beginning of
School Year
Prior to the beginning of each school year, verify that each educator has a valid license. As a reminder, the Provisional license is valid for five years of employment, regardless of how many Provisional licenses they have. Contact the Commissioner's Hotline at 781-338-3065 for assistance. HR: ELAR (opens in new window) (781) 338-3065 Brian Devine
Human Resources Ongoing Ongoing Submit requests for waivers for educators who are unlicensed for their current assignment. Certain exceptions apply. Call the Commissioner's Licensure Hotline (x3065) for assistance. As a reminder, waivers in special education require the educator to be enrolled in a state-approved educator preparation program or supported by the district through Structured Guidance and Supports (SG&S). HR: Educator Licensure (781) 338-3065 Brian Devine
Human Resources Ongoing Ongoing Obtain and review CORI of employees of taxicab companies that have contracted to provide transportation to students under G.L. c. 71, § 7A. See G.L. c. 6, § 172I. HR: Title II Ch. 6 S. 1721 (opens in new window) (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Human Resources Ongoing Ongoing Send notice to Commissioner within 30 days of discovering information from a national criminal history check about a licensed educator or an applicant for a Massachusetts educator license that implicates grounds for license sanction, regardless of whether the school district retains or hires the educator. See 603 CMR 51.07(2). HR: Background Checks (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Human Resources Ongoing Ongoing Send notice to Commissioner within 30 days of any dismissal, non-renewal, or resignation of a licensed educator or an applicant for a Massachusetts educator license arising from results of a national criminal history check or misconduct that might give cause to limit, suspend, or revoke educator's license. See 603 CMR 7.15(8)(g); 603 CMR 51.07(1). HR: 603 CMR 7.00 (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Human Resources Ongoing Ongoing Review the results of background checks. HR: Background Checks (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Human Resources Ongoing Ongoing Confirm that paraprofessionals in Title I schools meet hiring requirements. HR: ESSA Title I (781) 338-3239 Educator Development
Human Resources Ongoing Ongoing Develop new Individual Professional Development Plans for those educators who renewed their Professional license. As a reminder, the Educator Renewal License Regulations (603 CMR 44.04) permit the use of the same plan to satisfy the requirements of Educator Evaluation and License Renewal. HR: Individual PD Plans (781) 338-3124 Licensure
Innovation Early May 7/31/2026 Submit FY26 annual innovation schools and innovation academies evaluation report. See G.L. c.71, §92(n). Innovation: Evaluation Report (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Innovation Early May 7/30/2027 Submit FY27 annual innovation schools and innovation academies evaluation report. See G.L. c.71, §92(n). Innovation: Evaluation Report (781) 338-3227 Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign
Local 7/1/2026 9/1/2026 Update meal charge policy and ensure policy is provided in writing to all households at the start of each school year and to households transferring to the school or school district during the school year. District staff responsible for enforcement must receive policy as well. DESE encourages districts and schools to include policy in student handbooks and/or on online portals that households use to access student accounts. Even with free student meals, districts must inform households about how charging for cafeteria purchases is handled. Local: Child Nutrition Programs (781) 338-6480 School Nutrition
Local Early Sept 9/30/2026 Hold school council elections for parent, teacher, and community representatives. See G.L. c. 71, § 59C. Local: Title XII Ch. 71 C. 59C (opens in new window) (781) 338-3400 Commissioner's Office
Local 7/1/2026 10/1/2026 Begin the Direct Certification process to renew student free and reduced price school meal eligibility and ensure continuation of benefits as prior year eligibility ends. USDA requires School Food Authorities to conduct direct certification at least three times a year including at or around the beginning of the school year. DESE recommends conducting direct certification more frequently to capture new students and benefit changes. Households of directly-certified students should ideally be notified prior to the first day of school to ensure continuity of benefits. Local: Child Nutrition Programs (781) 338-6480 School Nutrition
Local Late Summer/
Early Fall
10/15/2026 Schools release names and addresses of 7th and 8th grade students to CTE schools if the municipality is part of a regional vocational technical school district, provided that the schools give notice and opt-out opportunities as described in 603 CMR 4.03(6)(n). Local: CTE Admissions (781) 338-3593 College, Career and Technical Education
Local Fall 10/15/2026 Deadline by which sending school districts must offer CTE schools and programs on-site access to middle school students Local: CTE Admissions (781) 338-3593 College, Career and Technical Education
Local Fall 11/1/2026 CTE schools and programs make applications available. Local: CTE Admissions (781) 338-3593 College, Career and Technical Education
Local Early Sept 11/15/2026 Deadline to submit preliminary proposals for new English Learner Education (ELE) programs. Local: ELE Programs (781) 338-3569 Office of Language Acquisition
Local Early Sept 1/1/2027 Deadline to submit complete proposals for new English Learner Education (ELE) programs. Local: ELE Programs (781) 338-3569 Office of Language Acquisition
Local Winter 1/1/2027 Earliest date for CTE Application Deadline Local: CTE Applications (781) 338-3593 College, Career and Technical Education
Local 11/1/2026 2/28/2027 Conduct the Direct Certification process to determine eligibility of students for free and reduced price school meals. USDA requires School Food Authorities to conduct direct certification at least three times a year including three months after the beginning of the school year. DESE recommends conducting direct certification more frequently to capture new students and benefit changes. Local: Child Nutrition Programs (781) 338-6480 School Nutrition
Local Winter 3/1/2027 Latest date for CTE Application Deadline Local: CTE Applications (781) 338-3593 College, Career and Technical Education
Local 1/1/2026 4/1/2027 Districts submit 3-year district improvement plans, inclusive of student opportunity act gap-closing and LEADS Act educator diversification strategies, to DESE Local: FY26 SOA (781) 338-3539 SOAPlans@mass.gov
Local Early March 6/1/2027 Submit School Choice Participation Survey. All districts must report their school choice participation plans by June 1 for the following school year (see G.L. c. 76, §12B), including certifying the vote by the school committee, if applicable. Local: School Choice (opens in new window) (781) 338-6517 School Choice
Local 7/1/2026 3/31/2027 Conduct the Direct Certification process to determine eligibility of students for free school meals. USDA requires School Food Authorities to conduct direct certification at least three times a year including six months after the beginning of the school year. DESE recommends conducting direct certification monthly to capture new students and benefit changes. Local: Child Nutrition Programs (781) 338-6480 School Nutrition
Local Apr 7/1/2027 Update Local School Wellness Policy (LSWP) by July 1st. See e.g., 7 C.F.R. § 210.31; G.L. c. 111 § 223. Develop LSWP annual goals for nutrition education, physical activity, nutrition promotion, and other school-based activities to promote student wellness. Ensure LSWP is assessed for compliance and effectiveness annually and that the assessment is made available to the public. Local: Child Nutrition Programs (781) 338-6480 School Nutrition
Local Early Sept 11/30/2027 Educators new to the district enroll in induction programs. Local: Induction and Mentoring (781) 338-3239 Educator Development
Local Early May 6/1/2026 Appoint student advisory member to local school committee. See G.L. c. 71, §38M. Local: Title XII Ch. 71 S. 38M (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Health Fall Annually (in 2 grade levels) Each city, town, regional school district, charter school, or vocational school is to utilize a verbal screening tool to screen students for substance use disorders, and notify parents/guardians prior to the start of the school year, and report aggregate data to the Department of Public Health within 90 days of screening, per G.L. c.1 §97 (opens in new window) Health: Verbal Screening Tool (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Local As needed As needed Update district and school staff contact information in Directory Administration to ensure correct listings on DESE's public website and receipt of important messages from DESE. Remove all staff who are no longer members of the district. Local: Directory Administration (781) 338-3582 Robert Curtin
Local Early Spring Early Spring Certify FCC Form 471 to seek funding for eligible technology services (E-rate). Local: E-Rate - -
Local Fall Early Winter Certify FCC Form 470 to open competitive bidding for desired technology services (E-rate). Local: E-Rate - -
Local Summer Fall Complete invoicing (FCC Form 472 or FCC Form 474) to request reimbursement for eligible technology services (E-rate). Local: E-Rate - -
Local Fall Fall Notify students of the availability of FAFSA and Financial aid options for post secondary education (M.G.L. c. 69 §1A) Local: FAFSA (opens in new window) (781) 338-3593 College, Career and Technical Education
Local Late Jan Late Jan Distribute district and school report cards providing information about student enrollment, teacher quality, assessment, accountability, and other measures of district and school performance. Local: School and District Report Cards (opens in new window) (781) 338-3550 District & School Accountability Systems
Local Early Sept Late Sept Conduct training on physical restraint policy within the first month of every school year and within a month of new employee hires. Conduct in-depth training for staff who are authorized to serve as a resource in ensuring proper administration of physical restraint (603 CMR 46.00). Local: Restraint (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Local Early Sept Mid Jun 2027 Implement evaluation systems for educators. See 603 CMR 35.00. Local: Educator Evaluation (781) 338-3239 Educator Development
Local Early Jan Mid March Publish notice of public hearing on annual budget by school committee at least seven days in advance of hearing. See G.L. c. 71, §38N. Local: Title XII Ch. 71 S. 38N (opens in new window) (781) 338-6594 School Finance
Local Ongoing Ongoing Update Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plans at least biennially (every other year). Post the plans on school/district websites. Provide annual professional development to build skills related to bullying prevention and intervention. Discuss with local chief of police or designee the process for notification of a bullying incident that may result in criminal charges. Update process as needed annually. Local: Bullying Preventation and Intervention (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Local Sept Ongoing Report to local fire department any fire in school or on school grounds. Conduct fire drills at start of school year and during the year. Local: Fire Prevention (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Local Ongoing Ongoing Update and document the appropriate uses of technology resources (external/internal infrastructure & devices) to support district, school & capital plans. Local: EdTech (781) 338-3532 Andrea Cote
Local Ongoing Ongoing Superintendent reviews and approves school improvement plans, after consultation with school committee. See G.L. c. 71, §59C. Local: Title XII Ch. 71 S. 59C (opens in new window) (781) 338-3535 ssos1@mass.gov
Local Ongoing Ongoing The district promptly enrolls students who have the right to attend public school in the district. M.G.L. c. 76, § 5, et seq., 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. Local: Title XII Ch. 76 S. 5 (opens in new window) (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Local June Ongoing
Summer
Determine a plan for ensuring the timely response to state complaints that includes identifying staff responsible for reviewing and responding to requests from the Problem Resolution System, as required. Local: SPED Complaint Procedures (781) 338-3375 Problem Resolution System
Local Aug Sept Designate civil rights coordinator(s) (see 603 CMR 27.00; federal civil rights laws, such as Title IX) and ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable requirements. Local: Civil Rights Tutorials (opens in new window) (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Local Early Sept Suggested 3 x annually (Sep, Jan, May) Conduct bus evacuation drills and vehicle evaluations. See G.L. c. 90, §7B. Local: Title XIV Ch. 90 S. 7B (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Local Summer Summer Certify FCC Form 486 to report start of technology services 120 days after the date of the FCDL or 120 days after the service start date, whichever is later (E-rate). Local: E-Rate - -
Local Fall Fall 2027 Update medical and behavioral emergency response plans every three years with school, police, fire, and emergency personnel per M.G.L. c. 69, § 8A. Plans are due again Fall 2027. Plans and response sequences must be practiced at the beginning of, and periodically throughout, the year, and include protocols for informing parents/guardians and reporting to DESE when schools contact police, EMTs, or other non-behavioral health personnel to respond to a behavioral health crisis. Local: Health Emergency Response Plans (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Local May Late Summer Complete and submit Annual Induction and Mentoring Report for beginning teachers and principals. Local: Induction and Mentoring Report (781) 338-3239 Educator Development
Parent Notice Sept 9/30/2026 Superintendents receive Individual Student Reports for dissemination to families; electronic versions available. Parent Notice: MCAS Resources (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Parent Notice Mid Oct 11/1/2026 Superintendents receive letters for students who earn the Adams Scholarship to send to parents/guardians (electronic letters available in Edwin). Parent Notice: Adams Scholarship (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Parent Notice Early Feb 3/1/2027 Superintendents receive additional letters for students who earn the Adams Scholarship to send to parents/guardians (electronic letters available in Edwin). Parent Notice: Adams Scholarship (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Parent Notice Late Aug Early Sep Provide written notice to students and parents/guardians of the student-related sections of the bullying prevention plan in age-appropriate terms and the most prevalent languages. See G.L. c. 71, §37O. Parent Notice: Bullying Preventation and Intervention (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Parent Notice Feb Late Feb Superintendents receive November high school MCAS test Individual Student Reports (data available in Edwin Analytics on the Security Portal earlier). Parent Notice: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Parent Notice Mid May Late May Superintendents receive February science MCAS Individual Student Reports (data available in Edwin Analytics in the Security Portal separately). Parent Notice: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Parent Notice Ongoing Ongoing Mail Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards to all households with students found eligible for special education services once during each school year. Provide copy of notice during other times required by 34 C.F.R. § 300.504(a). Parent Notice: Procedural Safeguards (781) 338-3375 Special Education
Parent Notice Aug Sept Publish student handbook and send required notices to parents/guardians. Some notices may be included in the handbook. See G.L. c. 71, §37H. Parent Notice: Title XII Ch. 71 S. 37H (opens in new window) (781) 338-3400 Legal Office
Policy Submission 8/1/2026 11/1/2026 For districts are members of regional CTE districts and/or that offer CTE, submit Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy and Attestation by November 1. Policy Submission: Middle School Pathway Awareness (781) 338-3910 College, Career and Technical Education
Policy Submission Fall 11/1/2026 Districts with state-designated CTE programs must submit CTE Recruitment, Admission, and Retention policy and attestation by November 1. Policy Submission: CTE Admissions (781) 338-3593 College, Career and Technical Education
Policy Submission Fall 12/31/2026 All districts that graduate students must submit their locally-approved Competency Determination (CD) policy and local graduation requirements via GEM$ no later than December 31, 2026. Policy Submission: Competency Determination Not applicable Competency Determination
Regional Spring 2027 6/14/2027 Provide written notification and supporting documentation to the Commissioner if the regional school district will not have an approved FY27 budget by June 30 (regional school districts only). Regional: School Finance and District Support (781) 338-6515 Michelle Griffin
Regional 7/1/2026 On or before 10/31/2026 Submit to the Department of Revenue (DOR) the forms and schedules required for the purpose of reviewing and certifying the balance in the regional school district's excess and deficiency fund (regional school districts only). Regional: 603 CMR 41.00 (781) 338-6515 Michelle Griffin
Testing 11/4/2026 11/17/2026 High schools administer November MCAS ELA and Mathematics high school tests. (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 2/2/2027 2/8/2027 High schools administer MCAS February science tests. (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 1/6/2027 2/12/2027 Schools administer WIDA ACCESS test to English learners in grades K through 12. (Projected dates) Testing: WIDA ACCESS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing Early Sept 3/26/2027 Principals monitor development of MCAS-Alt portfolios throughout the year. Deadline for pickup is March 26, 2027 (grades 3–8 and 10). (Projected date) Testing: MCAS-Alt (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 3/23/2027 4/1/2027 High schools administer spring grade 10 MCAS ELA test. (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 3/22/2027 4/16/2027 Schools administer spring MCAS tests (grades 3–8 ELA). (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 4/26/2027 5/21/2027 Schools administer spring MCAS tests (grades 3–8 Mathematics). (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 4/26/2027 5/21/2027 Schools administer spring MCAS tests (grades 5 and 8 STE). (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 5/18/2027 5/26/2027 High schools administer spring grade 10 MCAS Mathematics test. (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 4/26/2027 6/4/2027 Schools administer spring MCAS tests (grade 8 Civics). (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 6/1/2027 6/9/2027 High schools administer spring MCAS high school science tests. (Projected dates) Testing: MCAS (781) 338-3625 Student Assessment
Testing 9/15/2026 6/30/2027 Assess all students in grades K-3 at least twice per year with an approved early literacy screener;
make instructional plans; notify families of students scoring significantly below benchmark within 30 days and offer these families a follow-up discussion.
Testing: Early Literacy Screening (781) 338-6220 Literacy and Humanities
Policy Submission 6/1/2026 9/9/2026 Federal Grant Assurance Signature pages must be completed and signed by the Superintendent/Executive Director and uploaded to the GEM$ LEA Document Library. Submission of this signed document is required annually of all districts receiving federal entitlement grant funds. Policy Submission: GEM$ (781) 338-6230 Federal Grant Programs
Data Report 4/15/2027 5/7/2027 Submit the FY28 Intent to Participate in ESEA (Titles IA, IIA, IIIA, and IVA), school changes for the coming school year, and intention to apply as a consortium for ESEA and/or IDEA grants. There is no separate resource for this document. All districts will be contacted directly in GEM$ when the FY28 Intent to Participate becomes available. (781) 338-6230 Federal Grant Programs
Parent Notice Summer Annually Provide annual written notice to parents/guardians on MassHealth (School Based Medicaid Program/SBMP) parental consent, after obtaining one-time consent, in order to access MassHealth reimbursements (if participating in SBMP). Parent Notice: SBMP (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Health Before school starts Start of school Screen for lead poisoning in children between one and six years of age at entry to daycare including group or family day care, or pre-kindergarten, or kindergarten (for children who have never been screened). Evidence (documentation) is needed for children previously screened. Health: 105 CMR 460 (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Health Ongoing Ongoing Provide and maintain at least 1 automated external defibrillator (AED) on site at each school facility where instruction is provided. Also have on staff a person who is an AED provider with current certification in a training course in CPR and in the use of an AED; and ensure an AED and AED provider is readily available at any school-sponsored athletic event. Health: Title XII Ch. 71 C. 54C (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Health Biannually/
Annually
Biannually/
Annually
The School Nurse shall participate in the development and biannual review of the policies and procedures required by 105 CMR 201.006 for the prevention and management of sports-related head injuries within the school district or school; and unless school policies and procedures provide otherwise, the Athletic Director shall report annual statistics to the Dpt. of Public Health (DPH), per 105 CMR 201.017. Health: 105 CMR 201 (opens in new window) (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support
Local As needed As needed Register online (opens in new window) any public school operated (non-EEC licensed) regularly occurring supervised out-of-school time (OST) group care for school-aged children that is established by the school committee, per the Extended School Services Law (G.L. c.71 §26A). Local: ASOST (781) 338-3010 Student and Family Support

Last Updated: September 4, 2026

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