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Charter school assessments more than doubled in seven years, Lowell staff say
Summary
City staff told the finance subcommittee charter school assessments rose from about $26.8 million in FY2020 to about $52.3 million in FY2027 and recommended seeking permanent reimbursement or formula reform from the state to ease local budget pressure.
Connor Baldwin told the committee that charter school assessments have risen sharply and are a leading, non-discretionary budget pressure on Lowell’s FY27 operating plan. "Charter school assessments are $52,300,000 in f y 20 27, which is up from $26,800,000 just 7 years ago in f y 20 20," he said, noting reimbursement for cohorts phases out after three years and the gap widens year to year.
Baldwin said the finance team’s suggested legislative remedies include seeking permanent reimbursement, exploring enrollment caps, or amending the Student Opportunity Act formula — potentially targeted to gateway cities. Councilors asked whether in-kind services (crossing guards, snowplowing, etc.) could be accounted for against charter reimbursements; Baldwin said it’s an “interesting idea” that will require legal and regulatory review.
