File:  AA - SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGAL STATUS

The legal basis for public education in the District is vested in the will of the people as expressed in the Constitution of Massachusetts and state statutes pertaining to education.

Under the General Laws of Massachusetts,     

"... Every town shall maintain... a sufficient number of schools for the instruction of all children who may legally attend a public school therein."

The public educational system of _________________________ structurally is a department of the municipality operated under laws pertaining to education and under regulations of the Massachusetts Board of Education.  The area served by the_______________________ Public Schools is coterminous with the Town of ________________________________.

LEGAL REFS.:    Constitution of Massachusetts, Part II, Chapter V, Section II    

M.G.L. 71:1

CROSS REF.:   BB, School Committee Legal Status

Historical Note:  Massachusetts has the oldest public school system in the nation.  Dating back to 1647, the laws of the Massachusetts Bay Colony required towns to provide for a program of public education.   

SOURCE:   MASC - Updated 2022

NOTE:  A statement under this code is usually statutory and informational.  This statement presents statutory information relating to Massachusetts school districts.  Historical notes on the school district's organization and information on its areas or boundaries might also be included.

The cross reference is to a related policy in this reference manual and is offered as a suggestion for cross-referencing your own statement in this category.