Bill > H460

This bill amends Chapter 70B of the General Laws, specifically Section 8 and Section 10, concerning special education finance. The changes propose to remove the word "and" from line 24 of Section 8 and replace paragraph (8) with two new paragraphs. The new paragraphs prioritize projects that help transition school districts from court-ordered racial balance plans to local "walk-to" or other district models, and crucially, prioritize projects that create space for in-district special education programs and services. Furthermore, Section 10 is amended to add a sentence stating that the authority will award incentive points for projects that include spaces for in-district special education programs and services, including those provided by education collaboratives, which are organizations that help public school districts work together, within public school buildings. These changes aim to shift funding priorities to support local special education initiatives and transitions in school district structures.