MA officials adopt virtual school criteria

Massachusetts education officials have approved restrictions for any virtual schools that want to open in the state.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted Wednesday to cap enrollment for online schools at 500 students and require that 25 percent of those students live in the district operating the school.

The board also voted to give Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester the power to approve any requests to bypass the restrictions.

Greenfield is hoping to open the state's virtual school in the fall.

Chester said he needed to speak further with officials before determining a timetable for his decision.

Greenfield Superintendent Susan Hollins said the regulations passed are stringent, but is hopeful her district will be granted a waiver.