BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services (DLS) visit four cities and hold a virtual public comment hearing on education funding.
The listening sessions are part of the Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study included in this year’s state budget.
Chapter 70 refers to the chapter in the Massachusetts General Laws relevant to the state aid program funding public elementary and secondary schools. The law provides for the state funded foundation budget and setting minimal spending requirements by municipalities.
“Chapter 70 is the foundation for how we fund our schools. This is an opportunity for the public to help shape the future of a system that affects every student in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We strongly encourage our educators, families, community leaders and stakeholders to attend these sessions and let us know what is working and where we need to make changes.”
The Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study examines the methods used to determine the required contribution to education by each municipality. According to DESE, the study will “consider the impact of factors such as income and property wealth, the effect on municipal services, and the unique challenges of rural and regional school districts.”
The final study report is due in the summer of 2026.
DESE and DLS visit Worcester:
Thursday, Oct. 30, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Doherty Memorial High School
299 Highland St.
The other meetings scheduled are:
Thursday, Oct. 23, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Masconomet Regional High School
20 Endicott Road, Boxford
Thursday, Nov. 6, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Greenfield High School, 21 Barr Ave., Greenfield
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
4 PM to 7 PM
Virtual public comment hearing – Register Here
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Apponequet Regional High School,
100 Howland Rd., Lakeville
Written comments may be emailed to [email protected].
