Greenfield Community College atrium
Senator Comerford, jointly chairing with Rep. Vargas, opens the hearing, welcoming people to western Mass, and noting the flyers distributed by the rural schools coalition as people were coming in.
(I will do my best on names here, but I can't see the senators)
Dr. Michelle Schutt, President of Greenfield Community College, speaks of the joy in education in welcoming the joint committee here.
Opening panel, presenting the Governor's budget, is Secretary Tutwiler, Commissioners Noe Ortega (higher ed), Amy Kershaw (early ed and care), and Riley (elementary and secondary)
Sen. Comerford notes that last year, they took questions for three hours, to which Secretary Tutwiler says "we'd planned on four hours" to laughter. He then wishes Riley well.
Sen. Comerford notes that last year, they took questions for three hours, to which Secretary Tutwiler says "we'd planned on four hours" to laughter. He then wishes Riley well.
"developing a budget is a heavy, heavy lift" thanking the teams at the departments for putting it together
three organizing principles "stabilize, heal, and transform"
each is a "broad and bright North Star goal"
"an ongoing accountability measure" for this administration
he is reviewing what happened in FY24: free lunch, early college, innovation pathways, Gateway preschool expansion, community college expansion of access, tuition equity for undocumented students, coordinated
"resolute commitment on" expanded representation in all parts of education post SCOTUS decision on affirmative action
"change is a process, not an event" one year of a four year plan
schools "as a support system for children and their families"
opportunity gaps only exasperated by the pandemic
"shouldn't matter where a student comes from...or what their housing status is: every student deserves a quality education"
full funding of the next year of the Student Opportunity Act
$15M in rural aid, maintaining the tripled amount from last year
universal free school meals
statewide birth through graduation strategy for mental health
from early ed through higher education
quality improvements and better targeted programming
early education and childcare section here
$18.2M expansion to the Commonwealth preschool partnership program with a focus on Gateway cities
"and while we're starting with our Gateways, we won't start there"
Executive order to all of state government "to lean in" on early ed
number one on achievement masks inequities
early literacy of our young learners: early screeners now required
brand new multi-year initiative: age 3 through grade 3
supporting teachers in adopting best practices, making professional development available for free for preK-3 educators
around 45 districts in supporting and implementing curricula
additional support for DESE curricula Appleseed
"our approach is one of the most comprehensive" across the country
improving access to higher ed, including $80M in FairShare funding
including support for books and supply for all Pell-eligible students (I didn't know this; this is a good thing!)
FairShare also supporting tuition equity for undocumented students
first enrollment boost of public ed "following nearly a decade of enrollment decline"
every community college saw gains
"every Massachusetts student doesn't just deserve an education...they deserve the best education, because when they reach their potential, Massachusetts does, too"
three organizing principles "stabilize, heal, and transform"
each is a "broad and bright North Star goal"
"an ongoing accountability measure" for this administration
he is reviewing what happened in FY24: free lunch, early college, innovation pathways, Gateway preschool expansion, community college expansion of access, tuition equity for undocumented students, coordinated
"resolute commitment on" expanded representation in all parts of education post SCOTUS decision on affirmative action
"change is a process, not an event" one year of a four year plan
schools "as a support system for children and their families"
opportunity gaps only exasperated by the pandemic
"shouldn't matter where a student comes from...or what their housing status is: every student deserves a quality education"
full funding of the next year of the Student Opportunity Act
$15M in rural aid, maintaining the tripled amount from last year
universal free school meals
statewide birth through graduation strategy for mental health
from early ed through higher education
quality improvements and better targeted programming
early education and childcare section here
$18.2M expansion to the Commonwealth preschool partnership program with a focus on Gateway cities
"and while we're starting with our Gateways, we won't start there"
Executive order to all of state government "to lean in" on early ed
number one on achievement masks inequities
early literacy of our young learners: early screeners now required
brand new multi-year initiative: age 3 through grade 3
supporting teachers in adopting best practices, making professional development available for free for preK-3 educators
around 45 districts in supporting and implementing curricula
additional support for DESE curricula Appleseed
"our approach is one of the most comprehensive" across the country
improving access to higher ed, including $80M in FairShare funding
including support for books and supply for all Pell-eligible students (I didn't know this; this is a good thing!)
FairShare also supporting tuition equity for undocumented students
first enrollment boost of public ed "following nearly a decade of enrollment decline"
every community college saw gains
"every Massachusetts student doesn't just deserve an education...they deserve the best education, because when they reach their potential, Massachusetts does, too"
Early Ed Commissioner Amy Kershaw: top priority is the health and safety of children in our care
license and monitor more than 8000 programs
case load has increased 33% since the lowest part of the pandemic
early ed "is an engine of the workforce...the workforce behind the workforce and the beginning of the education journey" for children
I am not doing a blow by blow of this section...
One of the first six states in the country to set rates on the cost of care
work allowing expansion of partnerships between school districts and preschools; education in least restrictive setting
partnership with higher ed in supporting those pursuing higher ed for early ed
Literacy Launch: closing literacy gaps before students enter kindergarten
Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley, who introduces himself as "the outgoing...Commissioner"
thanks legislators for their support for public education
"as my outgoing gift to you, I will attempt to be brief in my testimony"
"our Massachusetts education system is our calling card, but we must do more"
(we are now highlighting FY24, which we kind of already did with Tutwiler, and which you've heard from me before, so I am not writing all this again, though gobsmackingly he is highlighting the cell phone silliness as part of that)
license and monitor more than 8000 programs
case load has increased 33% since the lowest part of the pandemic
early ed "is an engine of the workforce...the workforce behind the workforce and the beginning of the education journey" for children
I am not doing a blow by blow of this section...
One of the first six states in the country to set rates on the cost of care
work allowing expansion of partnerships between school districts and preschools; education in least restrictive setting
partnership with higher ed in supporting those pursuing higher ed for early ed
Literacy Launch: closing literacy gaps before students enter kindergarten
Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley, who introduces himself as "the outgoing...Commissioner"
thanks legislators for their support for public education
"as my outgoing gift to you, I will attempt to be brief in my testimony"
"our Massachusetts education system is our calling card, but we must do more"
(we are now highlighting FY24, which we kind of already did with Tutwiler, and which you've heard from me before, so I am not writing all this again, though gobsmackingly he is highlighting the cell phone silliness as part of that)
notes updated framework on health: "someone asked me if things have changed since 1999, and the answer is yes, they have"
IEP improvement project
support for districts handling an influx of students due to emergency shelter program
Board "endorsed new statewide measures of progress" on MCAS, absenteeism, college or career pathway, diversifying staff, structured professional learning for literacy
there was a closing gap/SOA plan thing in there
circuit breaker, charter school reimbursement, Literacy Launch initiative
Higher Ed Noe Ortega changes his greeting to "good afternoon," and notes that he got up at 3:30 this morning "not because I had to get up that early, but because the '3' looked like an '8'"
thanks all on teams who have prepared remarks and budget
want students to embark on their post-secondary education without concern about how they're going to pay for it
Massachusetts "must be an exemplar of what it means to lead, not just for some, but for all"
need based aid; higher ed "as a means for social mobility"
MassConnect, making it free to those over 25
expanded Mass Grant Plus program for in middle class, cutting expenses by half
less than $100K a year attending for half the out of pocket expenses for tuition and fees
programs that expand high school pathway programs to encourage students to move into higher ed
program for fee waivers for foster care children
capital improvements across campuses
"an investment in deferred maintenance is an investment in student success"
Rep. Vargas, who was also up at 3:30, "because my two year old thought it was a good time to eat"
asks about the Green School Works program (in FY24)
Riley: DESE working with other departments to develop program
Vargas: timeline?
Riley: expect "in short order"
Vargas: counts of F/R students to get federal reimbursement
Riley: "game changer" of universal meals
has been first year of implementing program; estimating "to be slightly over dollar amount..but won't be wildly different"
"what we've seen is the percentage of" low income students is about as high as we have ever seen it
"the demographics in the Commonwealth are changing"
Vargas: mental health supports?
Tutwiler: "developing a strategy"
create that mechanism, build that framework
IEP improvement project
support for districts handling an influx of students due to emergency shelter program
Board "endorsed new statewide measures of progress" on MCAS, absenteeism, college or career pathway, diversifying staff, structured professional learning for literacy
there was a closing gap/SOA plan thing in there
circuit breaker, charter school reimbursement, Literacy Launch initiative
Higher Ed Noe Ortega changes his greeting to "good afternoon," and notes that he got up at 3:30 this morning "not because I had to get up that early, but because the '3' looked like an '8'"
thanks all on teams who have prepared remarks and budget
want students to embark on their post-secondary education without concern about how they're going to pay for it
Massachusetts "must be an exemplar of what it means to lead, not just for some, but for all"
need based aid; higher ed "as a means for social mobility"
MassConnect, making it free to those over 25
expanded Mass Grant Plus program for in middle class, cutting expenses by half
less than $100K a year attending for half the out of pocket expenses for tuition and fees
programs that expand high school pathway programs to encourage students to move into higher ed
program for fee waivers for foster care children
capital improvements across campuses
"an investment in deferred maintenance is an investment in student success"
Rep. Vargas, who was also up at 3:30, "because my two year old thought it was a good time to eat"
asks about the Green School Works program (in FY24)
Riley: DESE working with other departments to develop program
Vargas: timeline?
Riley: expect "in short order"
Vargas: counts of F/R students to get federal reimbursement
Riley: "game changer" of universal meals
has been first year of implementing program; estimating "to be slightly over dollar amount..but won't be wildly different"
"what we've seen is the percentage of" low income students is about as high as we have ever seen it
"the demographics in the Commonwealth are changing"
Vargas: mental health supports?
Tutwiler: "developing a strategy"
create that mechanism, build that framework
Sen. Cronin: vocational education
selective admission criteria disproportionately excludes low income students and protected classes
"do you believe that those who have performed less well for a variety of reasons...can perform less well" in vocational ed
Riley: vocational admissions has been on my mind since long before he became Commissioner
raised question "do we have a system that is fair?"
believe we had a system where things were not fair
"I expect that you will see interventions from the state in places where we think there is an issue around fairness"
"looking for a more targeted approach" rather than a lottery approach everywhere
Department coming up with a tool "allowing us to intervene in a way that we've never done before" for more fairness in the process
after dark program in Lawrence
it "bears watching and there will be interventions"
Notes that Legislature has capacity to shift process
Cronin: most schools pirouette around the margins
could you speak to the detriment through a universal lottery? like charter schools allow representative
Riley: strange to use charter school comparison as some would note that representative application and admission
was hoping for more
"we don't really know what a lottery would do"
above state average on special education students; we don't know that it wouldn't go below
Cronin: reading federal standard "essential to participation"
glaring and harmful
citation of Assabet and Worcester Tech "meaningful" closed gaps
Riley: lies, damn lies and statistics
"there are grey areas in that world"
have tried to take a targeted approach that will withstand legal scrutinity
"once the Department moves its tools out, there will be lawsuit"
ensure that will win lawsuit
selective admission criteria disproportionately excludes low income students and protected classes
"do you believe that those who have performed less well for a variety of reasons...can perform less well" in vocational ed
Riley: vocational admissions has been on my mind since long before he became Commissioner
raised question "do we have a system that is fair?"
believe we had a system where things were not fair
"I expect that you will see interventions from the state in places where we think there is an issue around fairness"
"looking for a more targeted approach" rather than a lottery approach everywhere
Department coming up with a tool "allowing us to intervene in a way that we've never done before" for more fairness in the process
after dark program in Lawrence
it "bears watching and there will be interventions"
Notes that Legislature has capacity to shift process
Cronin: most schools pirouette around the margins
could you speak to the detriment through a universal lottery? like charter schools allow representative
Riley: strange to use charter school comparison as some would note that representative application and admission
was hoping for more
"we don't really know what a lottery would do"
above state average on special education students; we don't know that it wouldn't go below
Cronin: reading federal standard "essential to participation"
glaring and harmful
citation of Assabet and Worcester Tech "meaningful" closed gaps
Riley: lies, damn lies and statistics
"there are grey areas in that world"
have tried to take a targeted approach that will withstand legal scrutinity
"once the Department moves its tools out, there will be lawsuit"
ensure that will win lawsuit
Rep (I don't know who this is) have migrants taken away from support for special needs?
Riley: don't think that's accurate
Tutwiler: schools have responded in ways that are so impressive and so heartwarming
Rep: "you're right: in the end, a kid is a kid is a kid and we have to take care of them"
if you provide a grant and a kid fails, can the kid take it again?
Ortega: tied to federal standards (GPA)
limits to how many hours are covered over time
Riley: don't think that's accurate
Tutwiler: schools have responded in ways that are so impressive and so heartwarming
Rep: "you're right: in the end, a kid is a kid is a kid and we have to take care of them"
if you provide a grant and a kid fails, can the kid take it again?
Ortega: tied to federal standards (GPA)
limits to how many hours are covered over time
Sen. Lewis: "you'll be glad to hear that the topic I plan to broach is less contentious than vocational education: early literacy!"
this is a joke, all!
people would be surprised performance of third graders on MCAS meeting or exceeding expectations on ELA is just slightly about 40%
as a reminder: this is not a measure of reading...
digging underneath, subgroups lower than that
hard pressed to come up with something more important than reading in education
early education and care
"more that we can do in how we teach reading in our earliest grades"
"want to be careful and restrained at when the state steps in" at the decisions on the local level
"very significant evidence that has accumulated" about better ways to teach reading
which is being widely misrepresented, including here
clear that some districts are not making changes he views as necessary
speaks of state action proposed: "is that enough?"
"don't we need to do more, not just a carrot, but take...stronger steps to ensure all of our districts get the benefit of highest quality literacy instruction"
note how he avoided saying the word "stick"
Tutwiler: "that's a question for your colleagues...will review legislation that reaches Governor's desk"
see support of administration for literacy work
"significant...it works"
"we feel very strong about the direction that we're going and we'll review any legislator that lands on the governor's desk"
Riley: "I'm a better teacher now than I was in.." (no year)
"yes, we've been at or near the top for a long time, but I don't think we should break our arms patting ourselves on the back"
others are "catching up"
"next five years are critical" to what happens next in Massachusetts
part of why stepping back for someone who can "go all out eighty hours a week"
Rep. Higgins: as a first generation college student, really grateful to parents who made sure college was on the table for me and for my brother
"we know how much these investments mean"
continuity of early college to MassReconnect: what have you been seeing in terms of that gap?
Mount Wachusett Community College seeing enrollment increase but not increase of credit hours
Riley: at high school level in Boston, would see students who would go off to college and would wash out after a year
early college allows students to see college while they're in high school in a supportive environment and be ahead of the game
"there aren't a lot of silver bullets in education; early college is one"
we have a FAFSA problem, and we may lose some kids
we know the handoff is crucial
Ortega: would look for any opportunity to get students on campus
any degree of college success makes students more likely for more
can there be a more meaningful connection between secondary coursework and higher ed
work routinely with school counselors to provide resources for post-secondary planning
really trying to be holistic in support
missed a few for a bathroom break
"we know how much these investments mean"
continuity of early college to MassReconnect: what have you been seeing in terms of that gap?
Mount Wachusett Community College seeing enrollment increase but not increase of credit hours
Riley: at high school level in Boston, would see students who would go off to college and would wash out after a year
early college allows students to see college while they're in high school in a supportive environment and be ahead of the game
"there aren't a lot of silver bullets in education; early college is one"
we have a FAFSA problem, and we may lose some kids
we know the handoff is crucial
Ortega: would look for any opportunity to get students on campus
any degree of college success makes students more likely for more
can there be a more meaningful connection between secondary coursework and higher ed
work routinely with school counselors to provide resources for post-secondary planning
really trying to be holistic in support
missed a few for a bathroom break
Rep. Muratore: what about MCAS scores with migrant students coming in?
Riley: what do you call having many students coming in...in Lawrence, we called that Tuesday
schools have been doing a fantastic job; it has been districts less accustomed to these influx of students
students limited in English have a one year reprieve on ELA MCAS
research tells it takes students 5-7 years to be conversant a new language; I'm not sure about testing them after one
small number of students; concerned about all of our students
Rep. Blais: fiscal challenges of rural schools
town meeting is a proud tradition in the 17 communities she serves
school budget discussion is always very difficult on the town meeting floor
many communities are butting right up against the Prop 2 1/2 ceiling
quotes from the rural schools report
"given the extremely limited growth for chapter 70 for rural schools"
is rural schools funding the only funding available to stop the cycle?
Tutwiler speaks of his visit
"that is not my first visit to a western Mass school...interaction with superintendents" in rural schools have shared challenges with me
two things: tripling with rural aid, carrying forward from last year
regional transportation is higher than it has ever been
"and I know that is not the end"
partnering to develop a solution while also acknowledging the challenges of declining enrollment
Blais: by my count, we'll only make the Commission report of $60M in 15 years
(which puts it on par with how long SOA took? Or longer?)
is it enough?
Tutwiler: "it's a start"
Blais: hearing that reimbursement is 80%
Tutwiler: is projected to be 80%
projected to be 82% in current year
Rep. Holmes: what do you see as transformational?
sorry, Tutwiler is listing things and I was answering a question, so I didn't get it all
Tutwiler: proficiency is not the goal; it's a start
GLEAN grant
"already seeing that movement"
Rep. Holmes: is I think asking a question about diversification of the profession?
Riley: thanks Holmes, and his wife who both his children had
early college is majority children of color
diversification of teachers working on in Lawrence
going to take better recruitment and better retention
Riley: what do you call having many students coming in...in Lawrence, we called that Tuesday
schools have been doing a fantastic job; it has been districts less accustomed to these influx of students
students limited in English have a one year reprieve on ELA MCAS
research tells it takes students 5-7 years to be conversant a new language; I'm not sure about testing them after one
small number of students; concerned about all of our students
Rep. Blais: fiscal challenges of rural schools
town meeting is a proud tradition in the 17 communities she serves
school budget discussion is always very difficult on the town meeting floor
many communities are butting right up against the Prop 2 1/2 ceiling
quotes from the rural schools report
"given the extremely limited growth for chapter 70 for rural schools"
is rural schools funding the only funding available to stop the cycle?
Tutwiler speaks of his visit
"that is not my first visit to a western Mass school...interaction with superintendents" in rural schools have shared challenges with me
two things: tripling with rural aid, carrying forward from last year
regional transportation is higher than it has ever been
"and I know that is not the end"
partnering to develop a solution while also acknowledging the challenges of declining enrollment
Blais: by my count, we'll only make the Commission report of $60M in 15 years
(which puts it on par with how long SOA took? Or longer?)
is it enough?
Tutwiler: "it's a start"
Blais: hearing that reimbursement is 80%
Tutwiler: is projected to be 80%
projected to be 82% in current year
Rep. Holmes: what do you see as transformational?
sorry, Tutwiler is listing things and I was answering a question, so I didn't get it all
Tutwiler: proficiency is not the goal; it's a start
GLEAN grant
"already seeing that movement"
Rep. Holmes: is I think asking a question about diversification of the profession?
Riley: thanks Holmes, and his wife who both his children had
early college is majority children of color
diversification of teachers working on in Lawrence
going to take better recruitment and better retention
Sen. Miranda: asking about early ed and behavioral health
Kershaw: trauma informed approach
her answer was much longer than this
Miranda: funding of backlog of deferred maintenance (in a prior budget)
has both Roxbury Community College and MassArt
how much is left? how do we fund accurately
Ortega: clarification on $50M last year; have been distributed
FY25 has $125M
assessment and meeting with leaderships
Kershaw: trauma informed approach
her answer was much longer than this
Miranda: funding of backlog of deferred maintenance (in a prior budget)
has both Roxbury Community College and MassArt
how much is left? how do we fund accurately
Ortega: clarification on $50M last year; have been distributed
FY25 has $125M
assessment and meeting with leaderships
Rep. Kerans: "so much good news being shared on this committee"
so impressed at what schools are doing with new students
lack of federal support
much more expected of class aides: is there anything in your proposal for that group?
thinking more in terms of elementary school
Tutwiler: in the FY25 budget, $25M investment in mental health
"best practice involves being very inclusive" in professional development in addressing classroom needs
Riley notes that salary is addressed in collective bargaining
"when you do PD as a principal..it's all hands"
paras getting training to move up into teaching
so impressed at what schools are doing with new students
lack of federal support
much more expected of class aides: is there anything in your proposal for that group?
thinking more in terms of elementary school
Tutwiler: in the FY25 budget, $25M investment in mental health
"best practice involves being very inclusive" in professional development in addressing classroom needs
Riley notes that salary is addressed in collective bargaining
"when you do PD as a principal..it's all hands"
paras getting training to move up into teaching
Rep. Doherty: rep both Taunton and Easton
thank for fully funding Student Opportunity Act
"however those don't benefit minimum aid districts"
"takes a step backwards" for $30 per pupil rather than $60 per pupil as was last year
(Easton is $800K hold harmless; their required net school spending is 102.61%)
mentions inflation
asks if there is a solution in the calculation
Tutwiler: understands challenges
"it does sort of ebb and flow; while it is a drop this year, last year people were happy"
situation in Easton "is unique"
(noooo, it isn't; Easton has peers)
will commit to having conversation and peeling back layers
Ch. 70 "isn't perfect"
"I don't have an elegant solution"
"sometimes it's chapter 70; sometimes it's not, sometimes it's a local issue"
"however those don't benefit minimum aid districts"
"takes a step backwards" for $30 per pupil rather than $60 per pupil as was last year
(Easton is $800K hold harmless; their required net school spending is 102.61%)
mentions inflation
asks if there is a solution in the calculation
Tutwiler: understands challenges
"it does sort of ebb and flow; while it is a drop this year, last year people were happy"
situation in Easton "is unique"
(noooo, it isn't; Easton has peers)
will commit to having conversation and peeling back layers
Ch. 70 "isn't perfect"
"I don't have an elegant solution"
"sometimes it's chapter 70; sometimes it's not, sometimes it's a local issue"
and sorry, Rep. Barber just asked an early ed residential program question that I totally missed
Comerford: "it has been an education tour de force!"
grateful for leadership and work of team
back and forth here about the degree to which western MA is benefiting from recent early childhood work
want to talk about minimum aid district; see as a continuum with rural schools
211 out of 318 districts are minimum aid
Amherst over last 15 years has seen a 1% increase, clearly not keeping pace with inflation
"they're looking at cutting many teachers" in Northampton
"I would suggest with every ounce of respect I can muster: Chapter 70 must be reopened"
"we are looking at a declining spiral" of districts I represent
"that combined with the" MassHealth reconsideration
the inflation rate
combined "is creating a great deal of pain in western Massachusetts"
"should serve 315 cities and towns, but it simply is not"
Tutwiler: "I hear that pain; I see and read that impact"
"I am ready to follow the Legislature; we're ready to sit down at the table and have that conversation"
Comerford: could it be a working group or would it require legislation?
Blais mentioned the levee cap; "then we'll really feel pain"
Tutwiler: "if the Legislature has the appetite for a working group, we would be willing partners"
grateful for leadership and work of team
back and forth here about the degree to which western MA is benefiting from recent early childhood work
want to talk about minimum aid district; see as a continuum with rural schools
211 out of 318 districts are minimum aid
Amherst over last 15 years has seen a 1% increase, clearly not keeping pace with inflation
"they're looking at cutting many teachers" in Northampton
"I would suggest with every ounce of respect I can muster: Chapter 70 must be reopened"
"we are looking at a declining spiral" of districts I represent
"that combined with the" MassHealth reconsideration
the inflation rate
combined "is creating a great deal of pain in western Massachusetts"
"should serve 315 cities and towns, but it simply is not"
Tutwiler: "I hear that pain; I see and read that impact"
"I am ready to follow the Legislature; we're ready to sit down at the table and have that conversation"
Comerford: could it be a working group or would it require legislation?
Blais mentioned the levee cap; "then we'll really feel pain"
Tutwiler: "if the Legislature has the appetite for a working group, we would be willing partners"
ON TO THE NEXT PANEL!
MTA and AFT panel
Brant Duncan for AFT who notes that his children have attended the Lynn Public Schools : focusing on public schools, public libraries, and public higher education
urge action on cap on inflation in foundation budget
last two years were at the 4.5% cap, though it was higher
"in years when inflation is low, it makes sense" and has been the practice to add back inflation of higher period
if this is not done, could lead to real pain and undo good of SOA
ask for $60 "or higher" per pupil increase or "a fund for districts with declining enrollment"
free lunch, proud of
ongoing need for a funding mechanism to improve and rebuild schools
"in many urban districts with buildings over 100 years old" current MSBA requirements are not capable of delivering needs of students
libraries: hope to see state aid to local and regional libraries
higher ed: have been encouraged by support and investment
MTA and AFT panel
Brant Duncan for AFT who notes that his children have attended the Lynn Public Schools : focusing on public schools, public libraries, and public higher education
urge action on cap on inflation in foundation budget
last two years were at the 4.5% cap, though it was higher
"in years when inflation is low, it makes sense" and has been the practice to add back inflation of higher period
if this is not done, could lead to real pain and undo good of SOA
ask for $60 "or higher" per pupil increase or "a fund for districts with declining enrollment"
free lunch, proud of
ongoing need for a funding mechanism to improve and rebuild schools
"in many urban districts with buildings over 100 years old" current MSBA requirements are not capable of delivering needs of students
libraries: hope to see state aid to local and regional libraries
higher ed: have been encouraged by support and investment
Max Page for MTA: went to Amherst Public Schools, sent children to Amherst Public Schools
MTA has 400 locals; two nights ago spent a night in western Mass office and leadership had four things:
1. cheered when saw investments from FairShare
"defeated what I call the anti-civilization camp"
"don't run from progressive taxes...that should be an open conversation to have"
investments were about public education and public transportation
2. thrilled by investments in public education
"most went to public colleges in Massachusetts; most of their students will go to public colleges and universities in Massachusetts"
ask that you make the CHERISH Act "the North Star" of the budget
3. "had a lot to say...about the devastating cuts that are faced"
"happening all throughout western Mass" and across the Commonwealth
"and it has to be fixed now"
inflation rate issue "is an unintended consequence of having capped the inflation"
fully support rural schools commission
propose a series of grant programs to apply for money to hire nurses, libraries, school counselors
support Literacy Launch initiative: have many other ideas
"that aligns with the experts"
hm, I thought there were four...oh well
MTA has 400 locals; two nights ago spent a night in western Mass office and leadership had four things:
1. cheered when saw investments from FairShare
"defeated what I call the anti-civilization camp"
"don't run from progressive taxes...that should be an open conversation to have"
investments were about public education and public transportation
2. thrilled by investments in public education
"most went to public colleges in Massachusetts; most of their students will go to public colleges and universities in Massachusetts"
ask that you make the CHERISH Act "the North Star" of the budget
3. "had a lot to say...about the devastating cuts that are faced"
"happening all throughout western Mass" and across the Commonwealth
"and it has to be fixed now"
inflation rate issue "is an unintended consequence of having capped the inflation"
fully support rural schools commission
propose a series of grant programs to apply for money to hire nurses, libraries, school counselors
support Literacy Launch initiative: have many other ideas
"that aligns with the experts"
hm, I thought there were four...oh well
Higgins: could you talk about the CHERISH Act? and he did
Blais: thinking a lot about the affordable housing crisis; have to address now, as well as long term
short term solutions and long term solutions
top three short term and top three long term solutions?
Duncan: staffing shortage; literacy initiative;
school funding for buildings: am on daughter's PTO and needed to advocate for lights
"there's a whole host of needs, but I think that staffing and facilities are two that we need to work collectively"
MSBA's "doing great work" and there's far more that we can do
Page quotes architect Daniel Hudson Burnham: “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood!”
short term making steps towards long term
if we don't get the policy right, we're not going to be doing it right
"housing is the next big thing...the people who are leaving are the people who cannot afford to live here anymore...and we see that as education policy, as well"
taking a smidge of a break during the UMass panel
community college panel now
support funding for MassReconnect
researching free college for all residents: a step in closing massive gaps in equity
"investment in community college students is an investment in our communities"
must invest in educators, who are paid on average 33% less than their counterparts at four year institutions
Nate Mackinnon, ED of MA Association of Community Colleges
requesting scale up of student success fund
workforce training in high demand fields
funding formula based on enrollment and performance funding down from previous; asking for $11.6M
GCC student and trustee Michael Hannigan "returned to college last year at the age of 42" after 20 years at UMass Amherst in a variety of labor roles
started as part time, then quit job to go full time
Mass Reconnect allowed reentry to higher ed with fear of acquiring debt
could also better be part of community of college going full time
"newfound passion for service work with me" which led to his running for student trustee
look forward to transferring to a four year college
"has given me a mission and a vision"
(and this has been a long hearing already, but he just got a round of applause)
support funding for MassReconnect
researching free college for all residents: a step in closing massive gaps in equity
"investment in community college students is an investment in our communities"
must invest in educators, who are paid on average 33% less than their counterparts at four year institutions
Nate Mackinnon, ED of MA Association of Community Colleges
requesting scale up of student success fund
workforce training in high demand fields
funding formula based on enrollment and performance funding down from previous; asking for $11.6M
GCC student and trustee Michael Hannigan "returned to college last year at the age of 42" after 20 years at UMass Amherst in a variety of labor roles
started as part time, then quit job to go full time
Mass Reconnect allowed reentry to higher ed with fear of acquiring debt
could also better be part of community of college going full time
"newfound passion for service work with me" which led to his running for student trustee
look forward to transferring to a four year college
"has given me a mission and a vision"
(and this has been a long hearing already, but he just got a round of applause)
Vargas asks a question about the funding for workforce that isn't eligible for federal grant or aid
Holmes is following up on students filling out FAFSA
Mackinnon: behind the scene, financial aid looks at putting together the finance for each student, starting with federal funding
Mackinnon: behind the scene, financial aid looks at putting together the finance for each student, starting with federal funding
Holmes: what are we doing to get Black and Latino men to go back to college?
Mackinnon notes community colleges far and away serve far more low income and students of color
Schutt says success funding is where that comes in; can cater funds to population served on each campus
Mackinnon notes community colleges far and away serve far more low income and students of color
Schutt says success funding is where that comes in; can cater funds to population served on each campus
State universities panel is President John Keenan of Salem State University; he is a former state senator
he's agreeing with many of the points made by the community college leadership in particular
notes the $125M college bond bill; he says he has a science building that alone needs $110M
he estimates that statewide the state system needs $5B
$125M "doesn't put a dent in the problem"
"we really do have to go large on this"
"As we go to open that door of higher education to more students, it shouldn't fall off the hinges"
he's agreeing with many of the points made by the community college leadership in particular
notes the $125M college bond bill; he says he has a science building that alone needs $110M
he estimates that statewide the state system needs $5B
$125M "doesn't put a dent in the problem"
"we really do have to go large on this"
"As we go to open that door of higher education to more students, it shouldn't fall off the hinges"
Higgins: if the funding doesn't come from the state, what can you do?
Keenan: there's fees, "but that's my students"
for his science building, "we're expected to come up with 60% of that" which wasn't the case in the past
Can do it because of some reserves he's built up, but the next president won't be able to do that
"it's either the state or the students"
Keenan: there's fees, "but that's my students"
for his science building, "we're expected to come up with 60% of that" which wasn't the case in the past
Can do it because of some reserves he's built up, but the next president won't be able to do that
"it's either the state or the students"
Lewis: Salem State is one of the top schools for teacher preparation
challenge with enough teachers, and a more diverse educator workforce
Keenan: most of the state universities started as normal schools
"we needed to provide education to more people so we needed more teachers"
scholarships for students in Revere and Chelsea who then go back to those districts
"that has gotten out there" and superintendents in Lynn and Salem have asked about it
Promise program of post high school grads who have a year of college; a majority went to Salem State
we could all do better with having faculty that looks more like students
challenge with enough teachers, and a more diverse educator workforce
Keenan: most of the state universities started as normal schools
"we needed to provide education to more people so we needed more teachers"
scholarships for students in Revere and Chelsea who then go back to those districts
"that has gotten out there" and superintendents in Lynn and Salem have asked about it
Promise program of post high school grads who have a year of college; a majority went to Salem State
we could all do better with having faculty that looks more like students
Comerford: talk about advanced degrees
Keenan: clinical doctors
WSU wanting to provide occupational therapy, for example
if there's an area that isn't providing that right now at a public institution, "we ought to do that"
Keenan: clinical doctors
WSU wanting to provide occupational therapy, for example
if there's an area that isn't providing that right now at a public institution, "we ought to do that"
Vargas: "when I think Salem State, I think civic engagement"
what was the size of the 2008 higher ed bond bill?
Keenan: a billion dollars
what was the size of the 2008 higher ed bond bill?
Keenan: a billion dollars
BACK to K-12:
Portia Bonner, superintendent of Northampton Public Schools
Mary Bourque, executive director of MASS
Mildred Lefebvre, president of MASC
Portia Bonner, superintendent of Northampton Public Schools
Mary Bourque, executive director of MASS
Mildred Lefebvre, president of MASC
Bonner: "we are in a financial crisis"
Northampton has seen a decline in enrollment over the past five years
minimum aid "has been a critical resource" for our schools
community, school leadership and staff are pressured to deal with a challenging FY25 budget
24 positions recommended to be cut or reduced in this budget
salaries are 84% of the budget
"our resources are strapped"
"like Northampton, many districts suffer from the loss of funding to charter schools. Please consider how charter schools are funded."
notes the increase in number of districts receiving minimum aid this year and requests an increase in the minimum aid
sigh
Northampton has seen a decline in enrollment over the past five years
minimum aid "has been a critical resource" for our schools
community, school leadership and staff are pressured to deal with a challenging FY25 budget
24 positions recommended to be cut or reduced in this budget
salaries are 84% of the budget
"our resources are strapped"
"like Northampton, many districts suffer from the loss of funding to charter schools. Please consider how charter schools are funded."
notes the increase in number of districts receiving minimum aid this year and requests an increase in the minimum aid
sigh
You can read all of Mildred's testimony over here.
Bourque: thanks for fourth year of implementation of the Student Opportunity Act
early college, innovation pathways, mental health, early literacy
"one urgent concern we are hearing from our superintendents"
widespread reports of cliff effect due to inflationary calculation over the past three years
actual increases in costs have increase rapidly
the past two years, inflation increased only 4.5%; previously, the value lost would have been made up in subsequent years
but this is no longer the case
MASS, MASC, MTA, AFT are united in the request to fix the inflation glitch
request to add 2.58% in FY25 and to fix so value lost will be made up in future years
full funding for McKinney-Vento transportation
$100 minimum per pupil
funding for migrant student
increasing costs of in district and out of district special education
full funding for $60M for rural schools; current draft of legislation is "woefully inadequate"
Bourque: thanks for fourth year of implementation of the Student Opportunity Act
early college, innovation pathways, mental health, early literacy
"one urgent concern we are hearing from our superintendents"
widespread reports of cliff effect due to inflationary calculation over the past three years
actual increases in costs have increase rapidly
the past two years, inflation increased only 4.5%; previously, the value lost would have been made up in subsequent years
but this is no longer the case
MASS, MASC, MTA, AFT are united in the request to fix the inflation glitch
request to add 2.58% in FY25 and to fix so value lost will be made up in future years
full funding for McKinney-Vento transportation
$100 minimum per pupil
funding for migrant student
increasing costs of in district and out of district special education
full funding for $60M for rural schools; current draft of legislation is "woefully inadequate"
Lewis: SOA health care cost inflation is now separate
"happy to work with you on this"
would be helpful to send more specific data and arguments on that
SOA spent a lot of time on counting low income students
students not being counted may not necessarily be qualified for low income
"happy to work with you on this"
would be helpful to send more specific data and arguments on that
SOA spent a lot of time on counting low income students
students not being counted may not necessarily be qualified for low income
ok, I got looped in there, so I don't know that I can recreate that...
and then got pulled into another conversation so missed the business panel.
and then got pulled into another conversation so missed the business panel.
MMA up now
they of course gave considerable testimony on "unrestricted general government aid," which has the inelegant abbreviation "UGGA"
they of course gave considerable testimony on "unrestricted general government aid," which has the inelegant abbreviation "UGGA"
they raise the larger number of districts in minimum aid
also increase in local required contribution
consider pothole funding or only allowing increase of local contribution no larger than the municipal revenue growth factor
testimony regarding roads and bridges
"The Student Opportunity Act has been a great help, especially to the town of Athol"
"the fact is, it costs money to educate our kids"
we just had a back and forth about how much bringing minimum aid up to $100 per pupil minimum would work
testimony regarding roads and bridges
"The Student Opportunity Act has been a great help, especially to the town of Athol"
"the fact is, it costs money to educate our kids"
we just had a back and forth about how much bringing minimum aid up to $100 per pupil minimum would work
Vargas: time for an unrestricted local aid commission?
Lewis: says he'll go farther than Vargas: "I've thought for a long time that there's no rhyme or reason to local aid at all!"
Me, too!
MMA says they're open to the discussion, but a shift would likely create winners and losersMe, too!
And Comerford closes the hearing by thanking Greenfield Community College for hosting, and the myriad of staff that have made today possible
And Rep. Vargas tells everyone to have a good weekend!
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