Governor Healey Provides Guidance to Schools to Investigate Deepfake Images and Videos to Protect Students

Governor Healey Provides Guidance to Schools to Investigate Deepfake Images and Videos to Protect Students 

New guidance reinforces state law, outlines responsibilities for schools to respond to AI-generated harm 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced new statewide guidance reminding schools that creating a “deepfake” AI-generated nude image of a minor is a criminal offense that must be promptly investigated. Deepfakes are an increasing problem in schools and causing serious harm to students across the state and the country. The guidance, issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), provides clear direction to school leaders on how to respond to incidents, support students, and uphold state law. 

 

“It’s both terrible and totally unacceptable that young people today are living with the fear that their classmates might create and distribute AI-generated nude images of them. They and their parents deserve to know that, if that happens, their school and community officials will take it seriously and that it would be investigated with perpetrators held accountable, just like any other crime,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are making sure that schools know they have an obligation to do that. It’s also a call for parents and young people to have conversations about this so the clear message is sent about why this is wrong, illegal and harmful. This is about keeping our students safe and protecting their mental health and wellbeing.” 

 

Under legislation signed by Governor Healey in 2024, it a crime to create, possess or share these materials involving individuals under 18, regardless of whether the image is real or AI-generated. 

 

The guidance outlines a whole-community approach, emphasizing the role of students, educators, families, and community members in preventing harm and promoting digital literacy.  It also reinforces that schools must act promptly when they become aware of incidents involving deepfake content. School and district leaders are expected to investigate reports consistent with their obligations under state anti-bullying and anti-discrimination laws, as well as federal Title IX requirements. It also encourages districts to work closely with legal counsel and community partners to ensure that responses reflect both school policies and potential legal implications. 

 

“School communities have an obligation to create and promote safe and supportive learning environments that are free of bullying and harassment. Today’s guidance reiterates that deepfake incidents must be taken seriously – schools are required to take steps to stop the conduct, protect affected students and staff, and educate students on the harm and impact this abuse of technology can have,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. 

 "This collection of resources is designed to help schools address and prevent the use of deepfakes, particularly when they target students," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "Law enforcement, school leaders, teachers, and students all have important pieces of this work." 

 

The guidance includes resources on: 

• Cyberbullying and harassment prevention 
• Legal consequences of sharing explicit images, including AI-generated content 
• Digital literacy and responsible technology use 
• School obligations to investigate and respond to incidents 
• Mandated reporting requirements in cases involving abuse or exploitation. 

 

The state is also encouraging schools to use existing health education and digital literacy frameworks to teach students about consent, online behavior, and the risks associated with sharing images.  

 

This effort builds on Governor Healey’s broader commitment to protect young people online and ensure technology is used safely and responsibly. Earlier this week, Governor Healey filed legislation to strengthen protections for minors on social media platforms, including measures to reduce harmful content, increase transparency, and give families more tools to safeguard their children’s online experiences. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to keeping students safe both in and out of the classroom while preparing them to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world. 

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day 

PITTSFIELD — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw and Elementary and Secondary Education Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo visited the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires in Pittsfield yesterday to highlight how Governor Maura Healey’s Gateway to Pre-k agenda and Literacy Launch initiative are expanding access to affordable high-quality preschool and evidence based early literacy instruction in local communities. 

 

During the visit, administration officials joined classroom activities, interacted with young learners, and spoke with Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti, Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips and community-based preschool programs about the successes and challenges of expanding access to high-quality preschool opportunities, including early literacy curriculum.   

 

“It was wonderful to be at the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires to see how the administration’s investments are expanding access to high-quality pre-k, including access to evidence-based early literacy instruction. The Pittsfield community is a model of how school districts and community-based preschools can work together to level the playing field for kindergarten readiness,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. 

 

“Yesterday we were able to visit one of our communities early education centers, highlighting the importance of education programming for some of our youngest learners,” said Mayor Peter Marchetti. “Every child deserves to have the same foundation either the necessary skills to succeed. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support for early childhood education.” 

 

"I always like to welcome cabinet members to meet with people doing the work on the ground,” said State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "That Secretary Zrike made Pittsfield one of the very first communities he visited says a great deal of his intention to serve the entire commonwealth. He and Commissioner Kershaw desire to understand the needs of a Gateway City in a rural county far from Boston will make a difference for our students." 

 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires is part of Pittsfield’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI). CPPI, a key component of Gateway to Pre-K, supports partnerships between public school districts and community-based early education providers to create more inclusive, coordinated preschool systems. Through these collaborations, CPPI aims to strengthen school readiness, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that every child in Massachusetts has the foundation needed for future success. 

 

Pittsfield’s CPPI partnership includes the Pittsfield Public Schools, Berkshire County Head Start, 18 Degrees, the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, Kid Zone, the Gladys Allen Brigham Center, Morningside Community School, and Williams Elementary School. Together, nine classrooms are serving 131 children in their first year of the grant, marking an exciting launch into early implementation and collaborative planning that strengthens early learning opportunities across the community. 

 

“During our visit to Pittsfield, it was clear how strong collaboration across agencies and community partners is driving real progress for families,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “The CPPI model is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can expand access to high-quality preschool while meeting the unique needs of local families, and Pittsfield’s commitment to this work shows what’s possible when communities come together with a shared vision.” 

 

“The partnership with the Pittsfield Public Schools, through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), has been a game changer for children 3 & 4 years old,” said Joe McGovern, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires. “It has increased equitable availability, provided new curriculum, purchased much needed supplies and offered staff trainings all to improve the quality of education for our children.” 

 

In addition to CPPI, Pittsfield is a recipient of the administration’s Partnership for Reading Success - Massachusetts (PRISM) II grant, funded through Literacy Launch. This grant supports school districts, in partnership with CPPI participating community-based preschools, with implementing newly selected English language arts materials or engaging in a structured curriculum evaluation and selection process. These efforts strengthen early literacy instruction, helping equip students with the reading and writing skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. The Pittsfield School District and several CPPI partners are rolling out new early literacy instruction this week, including at the Boys & Girls Club. 

 

“I'm grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to high-quality early literacy instruction starting in preschool,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We stand ready to continue supporting districts and partnerships by providing professional development, ongoing technical assistance, and grants through the Literacy Launch initiative.” 

 

“It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike, Commissioner Kershaw and Deputy Commissioner Woo in Pittsfield for a CPPI visit as part of 413 Day. Their time here reinforced the critical role that early childhood partnerships play in setting students up for long-term success. Through community collaboration, we are working to define and support kindergarten readiness across a mixed-delivery system so that all children, regardless of where they receive early education, arrive ready to learn and thrive. We are grateful for the recognition of the impactful work happening in our community and the ways our educators and community partners across early learning settings are working together to support children and families, ensuring strong early learning foundations for our children,” said Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips. 

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $32 million for CPPI to meet the Governor’s goal of delivering universal, high-quality preschool funding for four-year-olds in all Gateway Cities by the end of 2026. That is an $11.5 million increase over current program funding. Her budget also includes $25 million for the third year of Literacy Launch.  

Four Lions Media Announces Integration of Norton Communications

 Four Lions Media Announces Integration of Norton Communications

Kate Norton Named Partner 

WASHINGTON, DC – Four Lions Media, a full-service communications and creative firm serving campaigns, labor organizations, advocacy groups, and mission-driven clients nationwide, today announced that Norton Communications will join the firm, with founder Kate Norton stepping into a Partner role as part of the integration.

Norton Communications, a Massachusetts-based strategic communications firm founded by Norton, has built a strong reputation for delivering high-impact strategic messaging, earned media, and campaign communications for clients across the Commonwealth and beyond. With this move, Norton Communications will be fully integrated into Four Lions Media, strengthening the firm’s strategic communications practice and expanding its presence in Massachusetts.

“This is an exciting step forward. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Norton Communications — we built this firm to win tough fights and tell powerful stories for clients doing meaningful work,” said Kate Norton. “Joining Four Lions Media means bringing that work into a larger team with deeper creative and strategic capacity, and being able to deliver even more for the clients and causes we all care about, continuing the values-driven approach and trusted relationships that have defined both firms.”

"But seriously, who writes their own press release?" she added.

Haley Norton will also join Four Lions Media as a Content Producer, continuing her work supporting clients through digital content development, messaging support, and creative execution.

“Kate and Haley have built something exceptional,” said Dean Levitan, Founding Partner at Four Lions Media. “Norton Communications has earned a strong reputation across Massachusetts and beyond, and we’re thrilled to welcome their team into Four Lions. This integration reflects the continued growth of our firm and strengthens our ability to deliver high-impact strategic communications for clients nationwide.”

“Kate brings the kind of political instincts, strategic discipline, and storytelling strength that elevates every campaign and client,” said Henri Makembe, Founding Partner at Four Lions Media. “Bringing Norton Communications into Four Lions is a major milestone for our team, and we’re excited about what this means for our clients as we continue to grow and expand our work.”

Clients will continue working with the same trusted leadership and team, with all work moving forward under the Four Lions Media name.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 413 Day with Major Investments in Housing, Workforce and Outdoor Economy Across Western Mass

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 413 Day with Major Investments in Housing, Workforce and Outdoor Economy Across Western Mass 

New housing designations, workforce funding and regional equity initiatives highlight administration’s commitment to delivering for all 351 cities and towns 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today marked 413 Day with a series of major investments and policy announcements across Western Massachusetts, underscoring its commitment to supporting economic growth in every region of the state.  

“Western Massachusetts is essential to our state’s success, from its small business and farms to its outdoor economy and cultural institutions,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we are making real investments in the 413 – building housing, supporting workers and strengthening local economies. We are committed to making sure every region of Massachusetts has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”   

“413 Day is a chance to celebrate Western Massachusetts, but more importantly, it’s a chance to deliver for the people who live and work here,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From housing to workforce development to outdoor recreation, we’re investing in the foundations that support long-term economic growth across the region.”  

First established in 2019 by Senator Adam Hinds, 413 Day highlights the culture, economy, and communities of Western Massachusetts. This year, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, joined by administration officials, visited all four counties to announce new investments and engage directly with local leaders and stakeholders.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a number of new investments in Western Massachusetts, including: 

 

Housing Investments and Pro-Housing Designations 

Rural Housing Choice 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias kicked announced 29 Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designations, expanding access to state resources for communities advancing pro-housing policies.  

These newly designated communities have collectively produced nearly 8,700 housing units over the past five years, demonstrating strong local leadership in addressing the state’s housing needs.  

This year also marks the first time every county in Massachusetts has at least one Housing Choice Community, with six new designations in Western Massachusetts: Bernardston, Buckland, Deerfield, Easthampton, Gill and Great Barrington. 

Neighborhood Stabilization Fund 

The administration also announced $8 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program awards through MassHousing to support the redevelopment or rehabilitation of 49 affordable homes, including 34 homeownership opportunities.  

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has invested more than $342 million in housing production and preservation in Western Massachusetts, supporting over 800 homes and expanding access to housing across the region. Additionally, through the state’s HDIP program, the administration has supported the creation of 152 units of housing development in Western Massachusetts, totaling $9.6 million, about 21 percent of the state’s total investment. 
 

Investing in Young Workers Through YouthWorks  

In Hampden County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Labor and Workforce Secretary Lauren Jones visited the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield to announce $14.4 million in grants to hire nearly 3,800 jobs for young people across Massachusetts.  

The YouthWorks program provides teens and young adults with paid work experience, job training, and career development opportunities, helping them build the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Participants gain hands-on experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors while developing critical professional and interpersonal skills. They also learn how to take the next steps in their education and career pathways.  

 
Advancing Fairness Through PILOT Commission  

In Hampshire County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll swore in members of Governor Healey’s Commission on Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for State-Owned Land at the Pelham Overlook. The PILOT Commission was established through an Executive Order to evaluate potential reforms and ensure fairness in how the state compensates municipalities.  

The state owns over half a million acres of land, such as state parks and forests, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and state military campgrounds. To compensate municipalities for the loss of local property taxes related to this land, the state administers a PILOT program that provides them with funding. 

Western Massachusetts communities, which host a significant share of state-owned land, have long raised concerns about disparities in PILOT funding. The Commission will focus on ensuring communities are fairly supported for the land they host, with particular attention to geographic equity. Members of the Commission include: 

·       Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz 

·       Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer 

·       Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs designee Lisa Primiano 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Revenue designee Sean Cronin 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation designee Kate Preissler 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game designee Emily Myron 

·       Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi 

·       Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva 

·       Town of Marion Grants Administrator Amy Jackson-Grove 

·       Industrial Economics Incorporated Principal Dr. James Neumann 

·       The Trustees of Reservations Vice President Wendy Ferris 

·       Town of Orange Selectboard Member Jane Peirce 

Additional members of the Commission will continue to be appointed in the coming weeks. 

While in Pelham, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll announced additional funding through the administration’s Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance programs to help local and tribal governments apply for federal grants. To date, the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office has awarded $2,048,950 from the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Program, and $1,000,000 from the Technical Assistance Program for Regional Planning Agencies.

 

Growing the Outdoor Economy 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll held a listening session at Berkshire East Mountain Resort with business leaders, tourism officials and state agencies to discuss continued growth in the outdoor recreation sector. 

Massachusetts’ outdoor economy has generated $14.6 billion in economic activity in 2024 and supported 108,000 jobs, growing at a rate of 6.9 percent, which is the fastest in the nation.  

The administration has made significant investments to expand access to outdoor recreation, including nearly $190,000 in grants last year to support community-based events and initiatives across Western Massachusetts. 

Following the roundtable, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll visited Berkshire County to experience the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, including taking a fly-fishing lesson at Zoar Gap. 

During her first year in office, Governor Healey appointed first Director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Since taking office, Governor Healey’s administration has prioritized regional equity and targeted investments across Western Massachusetts through the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and filed the Mass Ready Act which would invest $3 billion to strengthen infrastructure and protect Massachusetts communities against increasing extreme weather events.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP AS PART OF ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT BOSTON INITIATIVE’ TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN BUSINESS, DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS THE CITY

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP AS PART OF ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT BOSTON INITIATIVE’ TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN BUSINESS, DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS THE CITY

BOSTON – Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of a new business recruitment partnership as part of You Can’t Beat Boston, a public-private initiative designed to bring together leading companies, institutions, and public partners to attract global investment and support economic growth across the City and region. The new fund will be seeded by M&T Bank with support from the Boston Foundation. This announcement was made by Mayor Wu today at the U.S. - Spain Business Summit organized by ICEX, a state-owned agency that promotes the internationalization of Spanish Companies, and the Economic and Commercial Offices of the Spanish Embassy in New York and Chicago, powered by the Richi Foundation, M&T Bank, SMCU, and the City of Boston. The summit focused on strengthening business ties between Spain and the United States, particularly Massachusetts, and between Spain and the Boston innovation ecosystems.

 

“Leading companies—from Uniqlo and Hasbro to Dechra and Lovable to homegrown tech and life sciences leaders like Vertex, Gingko Bioworks, WHOOP, Klaviyo—are choosing Boston because it’s the best city to raise families and a place where talent, ideas, and innovation thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through this partnership, we will bring together Boston’s leadership across sectors to recruit even more companies, attract more investment, and drive economic growth. I’m grateful to our partners, M&T Bank and the Boston Foundation, for helping seed and launch this important initiative, and we look forward to working together to sustain these efforts long-term.”

 

The new fund is launching with initial seed funding of several million dollars from M&T Bank and will strengthen Boston’s position as a premier global hub for talent and innovation while supporting local and international companies seeking to scale in the City. The effort will create new pathways for innovation, investment, and job creation while expanding opportunities for residents and businesses. 

 

Through the You Can’t Beat Boston initiative, the City and its partners will: 

·       Champion global investment and inclusive economic growth 

·       Serve as the central point of contact for businesses considering growing in Boston

·       Build and maintain relationships with existing businesses to support retention and growth

·       Establish a strong foundation for international businesses to launch and scale in the City

·       Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies for Boston

 

“M&T Bank has a long history of investing in communities and helping businesses scale, grow and thrive,” said Jeff Carpenter, M&T Bank’s Regional President in Massachusetts. “Through this initiative, we are proud to support both local and global companies as they establish and expand their presence in Boston while reinforcing Massachusetts as a destination for innovation, ideas and investment.”

 

“In a changing world, it is vital for Boston’s public, private and philanthropic communities to work together to ensure that we are providing opportunities for everyone who calls this city home,” said Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “We thank our partners at M&T Bank and the City of Boston for their shared commitment to strengthening Boston’s connection to global innovation and its reputation as a hub for opportunity and growth.”

 

The “You Can’t Beat Boston” fund is a direct recommendation of the City’s Business Recruitment Taskforce, which convened in 2024 to advise the City on strategies to advance business recruitment and retention in Boston.

 

“I am very pleased that the City has created a new business recruitment fund, seeded by M&T Bank and the Boston Foundation,” said Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College and member of the City’s Business Recruitment Taskforce. “The creation of this fund reflects our recommendation to convene a new public-private entity that brings partners together to advance collective efforts for business recruitment and growth. This result reflects the deep listening and collaborative thinking of the taskforce and informed this new approach.”

 

"The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Michelle Wu on the new innovation and economic growth fund launching in partnership with M&T Bank, The Boston Foundation, and the Spanish government. This new strategic economic development initiative will accelerate the growth of companies while championing our workforce across the biotechnology sector in both Boston and Spain, sharpening our region’s competitive edge,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

 

In addition to providing seed funding, M&T Bank convened public- and private-sector leaders and engaged partners including the Finance Ministry of Spain and the Richi Foundation to help bring the initiative to life and strengthen global collaboration.

 

The announcement of this new fund and You Can’t Beat Boston initiative builds on the momentum of the Spanish Government opening a new trade office in Massachusetts and launching a new $200M million venture capital fund. Together, these new initiatives reinforce the City’s position as the global hub for talent and the premier destination for business growth and innovation. This strong partnership also builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to convene leadership across sectors to recruit more companies, attract more investment, and drive economic growth.   

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

 

Administration officials visited MCLA and Franklin Tech to showcase the impact of state financial aid, early college and career technical education expansion

 

NORTH ADAMS/ TURNERS FALLS — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike visited Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams and Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls yesterday. These visits highlighted ways the administration is working to help students be career ready through cost-free opportunities to earn high-value industry recognized credentials and free and affordable higher education credits and degrees. 

 

“As Secretary, one of my focus areas is access to career-connected learning at all ages. In Massachusetts, we want to make sure that students are set up for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike. “It was a pleasure to visit MCLA and Franklin County Technical School to see how early college, career tech programs and financial aid expansion are supporting students to discover their career paths in affordable ways.” 

 

Secretary Zrike and Higher Education Deputy Commissioner Michael Dannenberg joined MCLA President Dr. James Birge for a roundtable discussion on higher education affordability. The conversation included students accessing higher education through Governor Maura Healey’s expansion of state financial aid, as well as local Early College students from Drury High School. Through this financial aid expansion, middle-income students have their cost of tuition and fees cut in half, and low-income students eligible for federal Pell grants have their tuition, fees, books and supplies paid for by state and federal financial aid. MCLA’s Early College partnership with Drury High School provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits cost-free while still in high school, expanding access and reducing the cost of a college degree.  

 

“The compelling numbers about Massachusetts’ growth in Early College and financial aid cannot convey the impact of these investments as well as student voices,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to the students who shared their experiences with DHE and administration colleagues, and I want to thank the partners who arranged for us to engage with those who are benefitting from our investments in higher education access.”  

 

"Affordability is not just a policy conversation, it is a deeply personal one for our students and their families. We are grateful to Secretary Zrike and Deputy Commissioner Dannenberg for coming to North Adams to hear directly from the people these programs are designed to serve. At MCLA, we see every day how financial aid and early college access change the trajectory of a student's life, and we are proud to be part of that story," said James F. Birge, Ph.D, MCLA President. 

 

"The difference between a college degree and a high school diploma is $1.2 million in Berkshire County. That's how much more college graduates make over the course of their career in vital employment sectors like Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance. The partnership between MCLA and the North Adams Public School has been a game-changer for the community, as we work to ensure that almost all of our Drury High School graduates leave high school with a significant number of college credits completed, making a low-cost, nearly-debt-free college degree a real possibility," said Timothy Callahan, Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. 

 

"I’m pleased that Secretary Zrike is making MCLA one of his first stops after being on the job for less than a month. His visit is a meaningful opportunity to speak directly with students and administrators about programs and resources that help shape the student experience. His focus on affordability highlights one of the most significant barriers many students face in pursuing higher education. Ensuring students have access to a quality, affordable education is critical in helping them succeed," said State Representative John Barrett III. 

 

Secretary Zrike and Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo toured Franklin County Technical School’s career technical education (CTE) programs. CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market, including at least 900 hours of immersive learning time, co-operative education in partnership with local employers, and opportunities to earn high-value, industry recognized credentials.  

 

Franklin County Technical School received Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of their Aviation Maintenance Technology program this January and are working towards approval as a DESE designated CTE aviation program. Administrative officials toured their new 12,000 sq. ft. aviation hangar, flight simulator, and learned about their state-of-the-art aviation training modules. Certified aviation mechanics are in high demand and salaries can run from $50,000 to over $200,000. 

 

“Our goal is for students to know about the wide array of careers available here in Massachusetts and to take steps toward a career even before they graduate from high school,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I want to see more students finish high school with industry-recognized credentials, college credits, or both, giving them the opportunity to enroll in college or enter the workforce while continuing their training.”  

 

“We were honored to welcome Steve Zrike to Franklin County Technical School to mark an important moment for our region. His visit to our new aviation hangar and the newly approved FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician program strategically located along the boundary of Franklin County Tech and Turners Falls highlights the Commonwealth’s commitment to building a highly skilled, career-ready workforce,” said Franklin Tech Superintendent Rick Martin. “It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike alongside distinguished guests from the Executive Office of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as local and regional state representatives, town administrators, selectboard members, and our school committee. The tour provided a valuable opportunity to showcase how initiatives like the state’s Skills Capital Grants are directly impacting students by expanding access to high-demand, high-skill career pathways. This investment in aviation education reflects a broader vision one that aligns education with workforce needs and creates meaningful opportunities for students across Franklin County and beyond. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from the Commonwealth as we prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.” 

 

“I was so pleased to join Secretary Zrike and Assistant Secretary LePage at Franklin County Tech during 413 Day. The new Aviation Maintenance program offers a pathway to innovation and success for our students. Congratulations to FCTS for always raising the bar when it comes to education and opportunity,” said State Representative Susannah Whipps.  

 

In Governor Healey’s third State of the Commonwealth address, she set new goals of enrolling 100,000 students in Early College in 10 years. Since taking office, Governor Healey has been expanding Early College and Career Innovation Pathways so that more students can get started on their college degrees while still in high school – for free. The administration has also doubled state financial aid, made community college free and with the Board of Higher Education, approved new regulations recently that allow public and private colleges and universities to propose pilot programs that include the option to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees. These efforts make Massachusetts more competitive, lower costs, and support students and our workforce. 

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $53 million for the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, which supports programs like Early College and Innovation Career Pathways. It also invests $103 million to sustain financial aid expansion and other financial aid.