On November 26, the Student Opportunity Act was signed into law, securing $1.5 billion in new funding for public education in Massachusetts. Educators, parents, students and allies across the state have fought tirelessly for the funding that our students and communities deserve. We signed postcards, knocked on doors, made phone calls and met with legislators to share the impact that the funding crisis had on our public schools and families. For years, we have asserted the right of our communities to have an equitable public education system that serves the needs of all students, regardless of their background.
The education justice movement we have built is centered on racial, economic and social justice. This funding will have a tremendous impact on communities who have endured years of disinvestment in our public education system — including and primarily low-income students, English Language Learners, students of color and special needs students. Communities that have historically been denied equitably funded public schools are now significantly closer to accessing the resources and support that they need and deserve.
The BTU is proud to have been a part of this collective victory and to have worked with Senator Chang-Diaz, Representative Nika Elugardo, and Representative Aaron Michlewitz in leading the fight for an amendment that strengthens the commitment to reimbursing public school districts for funds lost to Commonwealth charter schools. We thank the legislators who heard and responded to our communities, including the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Education and the House and Senate leadership. We look forward to working with them to ensure that our public schools continue to be prioritized.
Our fight is not over. In our classrooms, our communities, and at the State House we will continue to advocate so that the voices and needs of students, educators and families are heard and to ensure that this funding reaches the schools with the highest needs. Today, we celebrate our work and this historic victory.
— Jessica Tang, President, Boston Teachers Union
— Jessica Tang, President, Boston Teachers Union