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School committee asks Fall River council to file unfunded‑mandate petition over student transportation costs
Summary
A school committee member urged the council to file an unfunded‑mandate petition with the state auditor about transportation costs that state law requires but does not fully fund; the council referred the communication to full council for action.
Colin Dyer, speaking during citizen input, told the council the school committee unanimously voted to ask the city council to file an unfunded‑mandate petition with the state auditor over student transportation costs the committee calls mandated but underfunded under several state statutes.
Dyer cited state statutes (chapter 71 and related chapters) and described the petition as a mechanism to seek reimbursement or to prompt further state action. He said the school committee hoped the city would work with its legislative delegation to pursue reimbursement under the governor’s budget proposals and avoid cuts to student transportation.
The council committee referred the mayor and school committee communication to the full council for action. Councilors and the school speaker said filing the petition would be the first step; if the auditor’s finding were favorable, it could lead to additional steps including litigation or further negotiations with the state.
No formal vote on filing the petition was taken at this committee meeting; the referral sends the matter to the full council for decision.
