Reinstate the ability for rising sophomores to apply to Eastern Technical High School.
The Issue
Petition to Reinstate Rising Sophomore Magnet Applications- 9/21/26
Growing up, I always dreamed of attending Eastern Technical High School. My sister and cousin both attended Eastern Tech and had great experiences there. Seeing the opportunities they had made me want the same chance to attend a school where I could study something that matches my interests and future goals.
Unfortunately, I was not selected for a magnet program during the eighth grade application process. Even when students qualify for a program, BCPS uses a random lottery when there are more qualified applicants than available seats. Students who are not selected may be placed on a waitlist, but they only get a seat if another student declines their offer.
In the past, students who were not accepted in eighth grade had another opportunity to apply as rising sophomores. Students could apply to up to three programs. I believe this opportunity should be brought back.
Students can discover new interests and career goals after starting high school. Not getting selected in eighth grade should not mean that a student loses their only chance to pursue a magnet education.
I am asking Baltimore County Public Schools to restore the opportunity for eligible rising sophomores to apply to Eastern Technical High School for the 2026–2027 school year, specifically for these three programs that were previously available to sophomores:
• Building and Construction Technology
• Law and Public Policy
• Culinary Arts
I am also asking BCPS to make this change in time for the current magnet application cycle, with the application deadline of October 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM. This would give current high school students another opportunity to pursue a program they are genuinely interested in.
This is especially important to me because Eastern Tech has been a goal of mine for years. I am asking BCPS to give students another chance instead of letting one lottery determine whether they ever get the opportunity to apply.
Dr. William Heiser, I respectfully ask you to reconsider this decision and listen to the students and families who are directly affected by it.
-Students from Perry Hall High School, along with parents and students county-wide.
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The Issue
Petition to Reinstate Rising Sophomore Magnet Applications- 9/21/26
Growing up, I always dreamed of attending Eastern Technical High School. My sister and cousin both attended Eastern Tech and had great experiences there. Seeing the opportunities they had made me want the same chance to attend a school where I could study something that matches my interests and future goals.
Unfortunately, I was not selected for a magnet program during the eighth grade application process. Even when students qualify for a program, BCPS uses a random lottery when there are more qualified applicants than available seats. Students who are not selected may be placed on a waitlist, but they only get a seat if another student declines their offer.
In the past, students who were not accepted in eighth grade had another opportunity to apply as rising sophomores. Students could apply to up to three programs. I believe this opportunity should be brought back.
Students can discover new interests and career goals after starting high school. Not getting selected in eighth grade should not mean that a student loses their only chance to pursue a magnet education.
I am asking Baltimore County Public Schools to restore the opportunity for eligible rising sophomores to apply to Eastern Technical High School for the 2026–2027 school year, specifically for these three programs that were previously available to sophomores:
• Building and Construction Technology
• Law and Public Policy
• Culinary Arts
I am also asking BCPS to make this change in time for the current magnet application cycle, with the application deadline of October 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM. This would give current high school students another opportunity to pursue a program they are genuinely interested in.
This is especially important to me because Eastern Tech has been a goal of mine for years. I am asking BCPS to give students another chance instead of letting one lottery determine whether they ever get the opportunity to apply.
Dr. William Heiser, I respectfully ask you to reconsider this decision and listen to the students and families who are directly affected by it.
-Students from Perry Hall High School, along with parents and students county-wide.
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Petition created on September 21, 2026