Bill > H555

This bill establishes a School Finance Review Commission to study and recommend improvements to the Chapter 70 school aid funding formula in Massachusetts. The commission will be composed of 16 members, including legislative leaders, education officials, and representatives from various education and policy organizations. The commission's study will examine long-term effects of school aid distribution, focusing on per-pupil allocations, funding for districts with declining enrollment, reserve funds, and the fiscal challenges faced by regional and low-income school districts. They will investigate the sustainability of providing high-quality education with minimum aid and analyze the broader municipal and economic impacts. The commission is tasked with developing recommendations for generating additional revenue, reviewing the foundation budget calculation, considering alternative distribution strategies, and addressing economic challenges like inflation and revenue fluctuations. Specifically, they will explore ways to balance the conflict between declining student enrollment and increasing school district costs. The commission is required to file a comprehensive report with legislative leaders and education committees by December 31, 2026, detailing their findings and proposed strategies for creating a more equitable school funding system.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H555