Students, educators and municipal leaders warn of ‘education funding crisis’ as chapter 70 falls behind inflation

Summary

Students, parents and municipal officials told the Joint Committee on Ways and Means that state education funding has not kept pace with rising costs and that cuts proposed or already implemented this year will force further layoffs, larger class sizes and the loss of electives and specialized programs.

Students, parents and school officials from across Massachusetts told the Joint Committee on Ways and Means that the state’s K–12 funding formula is delivering insufficient dollars and is forcing deep staff cuts, larger class sizes and program eliminations.

Speakers from Amherst Regional High School, Northampton High School and dozens of small and regional districts described recent layoffs and proposed reductions. “Electives are a cornerstone of opportunity,” Amherst student Yatharth Rajakumar told the committee. “Cutting electives…means losing passion, motivation and opportunities that could shape our futures.”

The testimony combined three recurring demands: (1) higher Chapter 70 funding tied to real inflation; (2) full reimbursement for special‑education costs (the “circuit breaker”) and for in‑district transportation; and (3) dedicated aid for small and…

Students, educators and municipal leaders warn of ‘education funding crisis’ as chapter 70 falls behind inflation

Summary

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