REVISE STATE FUNDING MECHANISM
We are underestimating the cost of education by $1-2 billion every year — and it’s making the achievement gap worse while forcing schools to cut critical programs. Our state’s Foundation Budget formula is supposed to estimate the funding needed to provide all students with a quality education. But the formula hasn’t been revised in 24 years, putting the system under immense financial pressure. I have proposed legislation to enact the recommendations of a bipartisan commission to reform the Foundation Budget.
Will you take a minute to read about my Foundation Budget bill and find out ways to get involved?
Click here to get more info from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. I’m holding a press conference on Monday with education leaders from across the state to advocate for this bill.
Today’s rapidly rising fixed costs like health care and special education are underestimated in the Foundation Budget formula — forcing schools all across Massachusetts to make heart-wrenching cuts to the arts, athletics, foreign language, music, and other critical classroom programs.
It also underestimates what it costs to educate English Language Learner and low-income students, hamstringing our ability to close opportunity and achievement gaps. We need to make good on our promise that all students have access to a quality education in Massachusetts.
Click here to read more info on the bill and how to get involved.
Together, we can revitalize our schools and invest in an education system for the 21st century.
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Sonia Chang-D??az
State Senator, Second Suffolk District