GOV. MAURA HEALEY on Wednesday proposed directing an additional $100 million to public school districts across Massachusetts, saying the funding would help communities manage growing financial challenges ahead of the new school year.
The proposal, which must be approved by the Legislature, would add to the more than $7 billion already appropriated for K-12 education in the fiscal 2027 state budget.
Districts would be able to use the funding based on their local needs, though Healey said the goal is to help schools avoid cuts to educational programs and reduce layoffs of teachers and other staff……
‘Erik Berg, president of the Boston Teachers Union, said more than 500 Boston Public Schools employees had been expected to lose their jobs before the upcoming school year. He said the additional funding could reduce the number of layoffs and urged lawmakers to act quickly so districts can restore positions before classes begin.
Additionally, Nickerson said the funding could help preserve educational opportunities that districts have struggled to maintain during recent budget cycles.
“It is imperative that these Fair Share funds be used to prevent cuts to student-facing positions and to save programs – from academics to the arts – that ensure our students are getting a comprehensive, well-rounded education,” she said.’