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Bill

Bill

HD 4942

A report of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (under Section 94(p) of Chapter 71 of the General Laws) submitting the Commonwealth Virtual Schools (CMVS) report for fiscal year 2023

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts requires its education department to report on Commonwealth Virtual Schools' FY2023 operations for state accountability and program oversight.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 4942

Legislative bill overview

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to submit a report on the Commonwealth Virtual Schools (CMVS) program covering fiscal year 2023. The report appears to be a standard accountability measure mandating disclosure of the virtual school system's operations, finances, and performance metrics during that fiscal period.

Why is this important

Virtual schooling has become a significant educational option, particularly post-pandemic, and oversight reports help policymakers and the public understand program effectiveness, enrollment trends, and resource allocation. This accountability mechanism allows the state to track whether virtual education is meeting student needs and achieving educational standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Unclear performance standards – The bill doesn't specify what metrics the report must contain, potentially limiting transparency on student outcomes versus traditional schools
  • Delayed reporting – The report covers FY2023 but was only filed in 2025, creating a two-year lag that may reduce its usefulness for current decision-making
  • Virtual vs. traditional comparison – No indication whether the report will meaningfully compare CMVS performance to brick-and-mortar schools, which some stakeholders consider essential for evaluation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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