M.A.S.S. / MASC / MASBO issue joint statement about statewide context
The Executive Directors of the Massachusetts associations of Superintendents (M.A.S.S.), School Committees (MASC), and School Business Officials (MASBO) have issued a joint statement about the fiscal challenges facing school districts across the Commonwealth. The statement describes the “perfect storm” that has led to budget deficits in many communities.
M.A.S.S. Executive Director Mary Bourque said leaders of the three associations wrote the statement in part because a narrative has emerged in some communities that places blame on School Committees, Superintendents, and School Business Officials for financial challenges. Dr. Bourque said that it is critical for constituents to understand the broader statewide context – particularly the significant rise in some school district expenses, while revenue to support them remains relatively flat.
The associations have joined 12 other organizations – including the Massachusetts Teachers Association and American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts – in a new coalition called United for Our Future. The coalition is dedicated to addressing the urgent funding crisis in our schools and issued a position paper calling on State officials to provide adequate funding to remedy the structural deficits in district budgets.
Related Media Coverage:
- “A new coalition says Massachusetts school districts don’t have enough money. Here’s why.”
Boston Globe, 2/13/25 - “New coalition urges education funding fix”
Politico, 2/11/25 - “‘We are on a downward spiral.’ Mass. school districts face another year of dire cuts”
Boston Globe, 2/9/25 - “Why Massachusetts schools are having an ‘extremely difficult’ financial year”
WBUR, 9/4/24 - “Here’s why Mass. is having the worst school budget crisis in decades”
Mass Live, 6/26/24 - “Massachusetts schools need more funds, some point to flaw in education finance law”
New England Public Media, 4/25/24