Massachusetts School Districts are facing fiscal cliffs

Today, March 24th, students from the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School came out in force to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means meeting at UMss Amherst to fight for increased Chapter 70 aid.

Across the commonwealth there are 232 school districts receiving only minimum aid under Chapter 70. These are dominated by regional and rural school districts. Rising costs including health insurance, transportation, special education and more have far outstripped what our communities can afford resulting in devastating cuts, many of which directly impact students' education.

This Chapter 70 issue is not new and has been brewing for years, and many districts face “fiscal cliffs” for FY26. One example is the North Middlesex Regional School District which will move to cut 21 staff (including teachers and administrators), close Ashby Elementary School, eliminate Capital Stabilization contributions, and much more. Contrary to narrative being pushed at the national level, there is no bloat, and there is no fat to trim.

Chances are your local district is going through a similar situation. Proposition 2 ½ restricts local tax increases so there aren't enough local revenue increases to cover the gap. Over the next several months you will be seeing overrides on the ballots in your communities. Do your research, get educated and know what you’re voting for.

Get involved. On April 8th at 11am there will be another Joint Committee on Ways and Means hearing discussing the Governor's Budget at the State House. If you, your child, or someone you know is affected by the school funding crisis, you can submit written testimony to the committee emailing Representative Kip Diggs ([email protected]). Show up if you can. Every voice counts.