Gov. Charlie Baker’s budget proposal, which includes a $1.1 billion increase in public school funding through 2026, is facing criticism from local education advocates and state legislators concerned that low-income communities will be overlooked.
While presenting the $42.7 billion state budget, Baker proposed several changes in the way school funding is calculated.
For several years, many legislators and school districts have been pushing to change the foundation budget for kindergarten through 12th grade. The formula, which dates back to 1993, is what the state uses to calculate the minimum amount of funding each district is required to spend on its students.
Education Secretary Jim Peyser said in a statement that the changes would add up to a $1.1 billion increase in funding, however, the money would be phased in over seven years. There would be a $200 million increase in the next fiscal year, he said.
Baker’s proposal would increase funding in areas that include special education, health care, low-income students and English language learners, according to the proposal. These four key areas have been on the minds of Newburyport School Committee members, said 1st Essex District Sen. Diana DiZoglio, D-Methuen.