State Funding Challenges
State Funding Challenges
Embedded Files
The Chapter 70 Problem
The Chapter 70 Problem
The State’s Chapter 70 funding formula, which determines each school district’s amount of state aid, is seriously flawed and disproportionately burdens our towns. This formula, which is based on a model school budget from 1992, works well for urban and vocational districts but fails to accurately capture the cost to educate students in our district.
For example, based on Chapter 70 calculations for FY26, the State estimates that it costs 60% more to educate students in the local vocational schools than it does to educate Wachusett students. While vocational schools clearly have unique expenses, the foundation budget deficit created by the Chapter 70 formula for our district is extreme. A lower foundation budget directly translates to lower levels of Chapter 70 aid.
Please note that this is not intended to be a criticism of the funding that vocational schools receive. The real problem is the lack of adequate funding for our district.
Chapter 70 Increases by Year
Chapter 70 Increases by Year
"Hold Harmless" Impact
"Hold Harmless" Impact
Due to a 1.8% decline in FY25 enrollment and a decrease in the state adjustment rate for inflation, the District remained in Hold Harmless status for the second consecutive year. Consequently, the District’s increase in Chapter 70 aid for FY26 is projected to be only $501,375 or $75 for every student enrolled.
This amount is in stark contrast to increases of $2,673,498 for FY23 and $3,415,519 for FY24. It even falls short of the $707,298 increase for FY25. The result is a major shift of the revenue burden from the State to our member towns. Over ⅔ of Massachusetts School Districts (232) are in Hold Harmless status for FY26, up from 211 districts in FY25.
Additional Enrollment Information
Additional Enrollment Information
Declining school enrollment is not unique to our district. In fact, NESDEC projects a 7.2% statewide decline in PreK-12 enrollment by 2031. These projections also indicate a 7.5% enrollment decrease across New England and a 5.5% decline nationwide. NESDEC projects WRSD enrollment to remain flat during the same time period, if not increase slightly.
Page updated
Report abuse