Procedures for Approved and Unapproved Out-of-District Placements
Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School (LMACS) ensures that students are educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). When a student’s needs cannot be met within the programs available at LMACS, the Team may consider an out-of-district placement.
Approved Out-of-District Placements
When the Team determines that an out-of-district placement is necessary:
- The Team documents why the student’s needs cannot be met in-district.
- Placement is made at a program approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
- The placement decision is based on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Parents/guardians are provided with full information about the proposed placement.
Unapproved Out-of-District Placements
If an approved program is not available to meet the student’s needs:
- LMACS may seek a waiver from DESE for placement in an unapproved program.
- The school ensures that the program can implement the student’s IEP.
- Additional oversight and monitoring procedures are implemented.
Monitoring of Out-of-District Placements
LMACS maintains responsibility for all students placed out-of-district and ensures:
- Regular communication with the placement program
- Review of student progress reports
- Participation in annual reviews and re-evaluations
- Ongoing monitoring of the student’s academic and social-emotional progress
LMACS assigns a staff member (e.g., Special Education Director or designee) to oversee each out-of-district placement.