Latest Developments

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Joint Committee on Ways and Means 

11 AM

 UMass Amherst Campus Center 

 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA 01002 

While the public will not be allowed to speak at this hearing, your physical presence is so important. Please come and stand in solidarity while representatives from a variety of educational and municipal advocacy groups speak out in favor of supplemental budget requests for FY26. 

Joint Committee on Ways and Means 

11 AM

24 Beacon St.

Gardner Auditorium

Boston, MA 02108

This hearing will allow the public to speak (3 minutes maximum, strictly enforced). To sign-up to speak, please email the MTA at smarcotte@massteacher.org

To submit written testimony, please complete this Google form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaCYRUvASRlBfqxk8K4FaZJD4gE59IImzpbIq9SrRYmS_Xog/viewform

Educational Funding Community Dialogue

6-8pm

Marion Stoddart Performing Arts Center

Groton-Dunstable Middle School

344 Main St.

 Groton, MA  01450

Hosted by Representative Scarsdale and Senator Cronin with Special Guest House Education Chair Ken Gordon

A presentation regarding the state funding formula followed by panelist discussions from representatives from North Middlesex, Groton-Dunstable, and Lunenburg. Legislative updates and Q&A to follow. 

 "The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the  Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services (DLS) have been  requested by the Legislature to conduct a study of the local  contribution components of the state's Chapter 70 school finance  formula. 

 As part of this study, DESE and DLS will be conducting six public  listening sessions (five in-person and one virtual) to solicit testimony  from local officials, members of the public and others who wish to  comment on this topic."

Newton North High School

4:30-6:30pm

For more information  on these sessions, please view this link. 

 The Governor’s budget proposal, known as House 1, would continue implementation of the funding schedules in the Student Opportunity Act, bringing Chapter 70 school aid up to $7.3 billion, an increase of $420 million over fiscal 2025.

Lack of school funding is affecting communities of all sizes. How can you help?

1. Write an email to the Chairs of Ways and Means: Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov and Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov  (using this template from MARS, or one of the customizable letters in the Document section below). Please personalize it with information specific to your community. 

2. Call the Governor's Office (617-727-4005) and ask the Governor to support the supplemental budget requests for FY26. 

3. Send a letter of support to your state senator/state representative (sample letter available in documents below)

Mobilize your community! THE TIME IS NOW!