Fairness for schools
VERY QUIETLY last July 1, school funding got a bit more equitable in Massachusetts. Will it stay that way?
Governor Mitt Romney and the Legislature collaborated to change Chapter 70, the vehicle for allocating aid for public schools. As a result, some municipal budgets got a shot of relief, in the form of more money targeted for education.
The current state budget includes an extra $217 million for schools, an increase of 6.6 percent over the previous fiscal year. It also guarantees that all districts receive at least $50 more in aid per pupil. There is more state aid for low-income students and those whose first language is not English. The fastest-growing communities are also rewarded.
Communities such as Framingham and Marlborough reaped the benefits. They were considered "over burdened" -- locked into high contributions to their school systems; at the same time communities of similar size, tax base, and enrollment qualified for higher state aid and a lower local contribution. While the troubles of schools in the state's poorest communities get more publicity, the Legislature acknowledged the pressure on districts closer to the middle of the spectrum. For now, the action will prevent a further widening of the gap between the wealthiest towns and everyone else.
In the absence of further legislative action, these reforms are set to expire July 1. There will be pressure for a reprise in the fiscal 2008 budget, and for permanent change in the law to even the playing field.
Joan Vennochi's e-mail address is vennochi@globe.com. 