In his March 10th, 2025 public comment to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Eric Duda, Superintendent at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, challenged the prevailing narratives surrounding vocational school admissions, particularly regarding the concept of "interest." He emphasized that DESE's proposed amendments, in his view, represent "two steps forward and three steps back," indicating a regression in understanding the crucial role of demonstrated interest in vocational education. Duda reiterated that vocational schools operate within strict capacity limits and that their admissions processes are carefully designed to identify students who possess a genuine, demonstrable interest and aptitude for the specific trades and technologies offered. He argued that claims of unfair or discriminatory practices fail to recognize the unique demands and specialized nature of these programs, as well as the overwhelming student interest that consistently surpasses available spaces. He suggested that DESE's proposed changes would undermine the very principle of prioritizing students who are truly dedicated to and passionate about pursuing a vocational education.