Representative Dykema Comments on Recently Passed Education Reform Bill

Boston, MA - On Thursday evening I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate in supporting passage of an education reform bill, an Act Relative to the Achievement Gap. This new law provides tools to improve struggling schools and creates a limited number of new charter schools in underperforming districts. Notably, the law will also put Massachusetts in a strong position to access up to $250 million in federal education funds. During debate, I co-sponsored a number of amendments to address concerns I have heard from our schools, and I am pleased that the final bill included a number of provisions that will help the schools in my district.

First, it requires the state to make an assessment of the true cost of a high quality education. Educators have contended for many years that there is a mismatch been our expectations for our students and the funding provided to meet them. This evaluation will assess resources available to schools, seek to understand how they’re spent, identify cost effective best practices, and provide the data needed to maximize the value of every education dollar.

Second, the law begins to address charter school funding concerns. The current method of funding charter schools drains needed dollars from public schools which are already facing tight budgets. Although only a first step, the new law provides some additional funding to public schools to offset the fiscal impact of charter school transfers.

Third, the bill protects regional school transportation funding. This year, I and other legislators who represent regional schools helped prevent transportation funding cuts that would have disproportionately affected regional schools. The new law will ensure these funds are protected in the future.

We can never be complacent when it comes to education, and we need to continually challenge ourselves to be better, even in the face of financial constraints. With this new law, the Commonwealth has taken an important step forward in providing for the education of our children and our future.

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Rep. Carolyn Dykema represents the 8^th Middlesex district which includes Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway (pct. 1), Southborough (pcts. 2,3) and Westborough (pct. 2)

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