Bill > H526

This bill introduces several modifications to school construction and funding regulations in Massachusetts. It allows school districts with a disproportionate share of aging or problematic school buildings to use up to 1 percent of their state school aid for renovation or replacement costs until their debt service obligations are paid. The bill changes reimbursement standards for school construction projects, requiring the Massachusetts School Building Authority to ensure reimbursement rates are at least equal to the average construction cost per square foot from the previous three fiscal years. The bill also increases the maximum reimbursement percentage from 80 to 100 percent and introduces a new "school integration percentage" that awards 10 additional percentage points to projects that demonstrate potential to improve racial integration of students. Additionally, the bill sets a minimum threshold for the Accelerated Repair Program project budgets at $100,000 and allows extraordinary maintenance projects up to $500,000 to qualify as net school spending. These changes aim to provide more flexibility and support for school districts in maintaining and improving their educational facilities, with a particular focus on addressing infrastructure needs and promoting racial integration.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H526