Before I begin, Governor Baker, let me first take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done over the last several years to guide Massachusetts. You and your administration have dealt with numerous crises, including COVID; stewarded state finances thoughtfully and carefully; and you have modeled for politicians around the country what it means to be civil and fair minded, even when there is disagreement or discord. Thank you for your leadership!
I have one small favor to ask of you as your term in office ends. It won’t grab headlines and to about 99% of Massachusetts residents, it will likely not register as anything meaningful to them in their daily lives.
Here it goes:
Can you ask the Operational Services Division (OSD) within the Executive Office of Administration and Finance to reconsider its October 1st determination that next school year (FY '24) local school districts and towns will need to pay an additional 14% in tuition to the private special education schools that serve the children who require services local districts can’t provide?
Without getting too wonky on budget policy, the law, and special education programming, let me just say that this little known move by OSD will significantly impact school budgets, just as we are all trying to serve students who have struggled mightily over the last couple of years. In FY ‘24 and based on recent Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) figures, this 14% tuition increase could conservatively cost as much as a whopping $92,807,590 to local communities. This amount represents 14% of FY21 school district expenditures on in-state private school tuitions (DESE function code 9300), or $662,911,356 - the most recent data available from DESE. (There is much more information here: FAQ about OSD tuition increase)
Over the last dozen years the tuition increase has averaged below 2% annually, and it was manageable and we were able to incorporate this into budget planning in a sustainable and responsible way. In the Needham Public Schools, where we are already preparing the budget for the 23-24 school year, we will have to plan for an additional $800,000 in order to cover the cost of this tuition spike; and that will mean other student services and programs will need to be cut back to pay for such an enormous increase.
The OSD believes private special education schools need additional funding due to inflationary pressures and staffing shortages. I agree! Here in Needham we send many students to private special education schools in Massachusetts (and beyond), and I want them to have excellent support and care. Like the public schools, private schools are also struggling to fill key and vital positions so it makes sense to consider additional funding. But that has to be balanced with the reality of local district funding needs that will surely be impacted if next school year, FY ‘24, we need to cut services to all students, including those hardest hit by the pandemic to pay for an unfair and unreasonable 14% tuition increase. Instead, how about a phased approach over the next few years coupled with an increase in state special education spending for all?
Governor, I know you have a lot on your mind as your time in office winds down. I also realize that the FY ‘24 budget will be in the hands of your successor, yet the planning for the state’s FY ‘24 budget is happening now in the Office of Administration and Finance. I urge you to have the OSD reconsider its decision and propose a FY ‘24 tuition increase that is fair, reasonable, and sustainable for all communities.
I believe a move like that will continue to demonstrate your fiscal prudence and your commitment to all of the students of the Commonwealth.
Thanks for listening.