A combination of factors like the end of federal COVID-19 funds, rising inflation and declining enrollment are straining school district budgets across Massachusetts.
As a new school year kicks off, teachers across Massachusetts will be heading back to the classroom with fewer colleagues. Some districts may see larger class sizes, fewer AP courses and less mental health counselors.
Glenn Koocher, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, estimated about half of Massachusetts school districts are operating with painfully tight budgets. But high inflation foiled those plans, according to Worcester Superintendent Rachel Monárrez. The Student Opportunity Act's school funding formula has an inflation adjustment cap of 4.5%, which"We were using ESSER funds to maintain positions that were a luxury," Monárrez said."We’ve had to pull those back."Meanwhile, other districts are dealing with lower revenue due to enrollment losses.
Still, Cameron says, the increase in per-student funding from these additional students has not kept pace with the rising cost of wages for Pittsfield educators. The most"Unless something amazing happens, we’re going to face a serious financial problem that will have an adverse effect on the schools," Cameron said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who Did Shawn Mendes Almost Get Pregnant in 'Why Why Why'?He released his new song 'Why Why Why' with questionable lyrics.
Read more »
Shawn Mendes Drops Two Singles, ‘Why Why Why’ & ‘Isn’t That Enough’: Stream NowShawn Mendes unveiled two tracks, 'Why Why Why' and 'Isn't That Enough,' on Friday (Aug. 9).
Read more »
The math behind why Harris picked Walz and why she may regret itTim Walz’s selection as Kamala Harris’ running mate underscores both the power of social media and of being relatively affable and nondivisive.
Read more »
Why Republicans are calling Walz 'Tampon Tim' — and why Democrats embrace itMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a law last year requiring public schools to provide period products 'to all menstruating students' in grades 4-12. Some Republicans are now criticizing him for it.
Read more »
Why Republicans are calling Walz 'Tampon Tim' — and why Democrats embrace itMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a law last year requiring public schools to provide period products 'to all menstruating students' in grades 4-12. Some Republicans are now criticizing him for it.
Read more »
BlackBerry director Matt Johnson interview: why the iPhone won and why most tech movies suckThe new film BlackBerry depicts the rise and fall of Research In Motion and tells the story of the phone that made email mobile. Director Matt Johnson says it’s more complicated than you think.
Read more »