AMHERST – The regional school board last week unanimously voted to support creating a state panel to review the financing of special education in K-12 school systems.
A bill, S. 295, was filed by Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton in March.
“There shall be a Special Education Financing Commission to review the Commonwealth’s system for financing special education and make recommendations for a more equitable system that provides adequate funding to local school districts to meet the costs of providing high quality education to students with disabilities,” language in the bill says.
“The commission’s review shall evaluate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure and make recommendations,” it says.
A major purpose of the proposed legislation – and the commission’s work -- would be to examine what is now in place with a view towards ensuring adequate resources are disbursed to local districts, including based on need.
Prior to Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee’s 7-0 vote, Chair Allison McDonald and member Peter Demling said the department of elementary and secondary education (DESE) mandates many tasks a district must do involving special education, but the state does not adequately fund them.
If the bill is enacted, the legislation says the commission is to issue a report by July 1, 2022.
It calls for a commission of at least 27, chaired by the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on education.
Language in the bill says its composition shall include “families and persons with disabilities” that means more than 27 could sit on the commission.
The panel would include Gov. Charlie Baker or someone he designates, the education secretary, the DESE commissioner, and other stake holders, including representatives from teachers unions, the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Parent Professional Advocacy League of Massachusetts.
The legislation states: “Members shall not receive compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for the reasonable expenses incurred.”
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July 06, 2021 at 11:23PM
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