While the new approach the state has adopted to track low-income student enrollment does not change the share of the state’s low-income students served by Gateway City districts in the aggregate, it does lead to some significant changes between these urban district. On average, those with higher levels of English Language Learners tend to lose share. The greatest decreases are in Revere, Everett, Brockton, Lynn, and Chelsea.

The new low-income student designation relies on participation in federal programs. Many are concerned that these programs exclude undocumented immigrants; communities serving a disproportionate share of undocumented immigrants could suffer as a result.