SCHOOL AID: Chapter 70 Funding Formula to be Revisited

Under a budget amendment passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the Chapter 70 Foundation Budget Review Commission will be revived for the first time since 2001. The commission, designed to perform a systematic review of the state’s funding formula for education, will be tasked with thoroughly analyzing state education spending and determining whether current funding is adequate and used efficiently.

“When the state passed the Education Reform Act of 1993, the bill called for a complete review of how the foundation budget was calculated at least once every four years,” said Representative Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead), who filed the amendment with the bipartisan support of 99 co-sponsors. “Unfortunately, this review has only been completed twice since then, most recently in 2001. The needs of our schools have changed dramatically in the 21 years since education reform was passed, with the adoption of new curriculum frameworks, increased need for special education and ELL programs, and changes in technology in the classroom. There is also a renewed focus on the importance of early educ_ation. This study will examine our current educational funding formula to ensure we are spending our dollars wisely.”

“I am grateful that the House adopted this important amendment, which will ensure a systematic and comprehensive reevaluation of the foundation budget,” said Representative Alice Peisch, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Such review will provide a critical opportunity to gain insight on whether the current formula meets the needs of all students throughout the Commonwealth, and will help us to identify ways to ensure the most effective and efficient use of resources.”

State Rep Heroux said "I am a co-sponsor to this amendment and I am very excited that we are going to review the Chapter 70 funding formula. There are always winners and losers and in the most recent budget, Attleboro schools were a loser. It is time to update the formula."

The commission will include voting and advisory members, consisting of elected officials, education officials, and designees of several groups, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, and administrators of the Commonwealth’s technical and vocational schools.  Before presenting its report, the Commission will be required to hold at least four public hearings around the state. The Commission will be required to present their findings in a report on or before June 30, 2015.

 “The Commission will consist of people with different perspectives, but the same goal – ensuring that every child in Massachusetts has access to a world-class education,” said Rep. Ehrlich. “Our state’s historic education reforms have cemented Massachusetts’ status as the nation’s leader in public education. This re-evaluation of our funding priorities will be designed to ensure that our schools remain global leaders as well.”

NOTE: This release was prepared by State Rep Ehrlich. Contact: Joseph Gravellese (617) 722-2014.