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Teachers, community college leaders and superintendents warn of deep K–12 and higher‑education shortfalls

Massachusetts legislative budget hearing (public testimony) · March 31, 2026

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Summary

A broad panel of educators and superintendents told lawmakers that Chapter 70 inflation gaps, enrollment declines, and Mass Educate have created structural shortfalls (examples: Triton $4.25M level‑service increase; Middleborough $4M deficit) and urged wage equity and targeted revenue measures.

Multiple representatives of K–12 districts, community colleges, and unions testified that state funding formulas and current FY27 proposals leave districts and colleges facing deep shortfalls.

Superintendent Brian Forgett (Triton Regional) said his district faces a $4,250,000 level‑service increase and warned of cuts to staff and services without urgent state action. Alexandra Cook (Middleborough resident and school‑committee candidate) described a newly discovered $4,000,000 structural town deficit that threatens local programs.

Higher‑education speakers raised recurring themes: Joe Nardone (vice president, Massachusetts Community College Council) urged implementation of a wage equity study and cautioned that adjuncts and part‑time staff must be included in any wage adjustments. James Lincoln (MCCC chapter vice president) asked the committee to support S.2880 to provide adjuncts employer‑provided health and retirement benefits. Tom Myers (retired teacher) urged revenue options to prevent adoption of federal tax cuts at the state level and to pass corporate fair‑share measures; he cited figures that, if enacted as proposed by witnesses, could generate approximately $1.2 billion in new revenue.

Union and parent groups emphasized enrollment declines in gateway cities (Boston cited 1,678 BPS students lost in one year) and asked for mitigation funds for districts experiencing steep enrollment losses. Witnesses noted the compounding effect of Mass Educate and Mass Reconnect, which have sharply increased enrollment and demand while support and staffing lag.

No committee votes were held; speakers urged the committee to prioritize increased Chapter 70 minimum aid, technical fixes to the funding formula, full circuit‑breaker reimbursements, and targeted revenue measures to fund wage equity and education services in FY27.