‘We’ve been begging for this’: Education leaders voice relief over revival of commission to review school funding formula

July 11, 2026 - 03:08

Education leaders across Franklin County are expressing cautious optimism after state lawmakers revived the Foundation Budget Review Commission, a panel tasked with reexamining how Massachusetts distributes money to public schools. For years, superintendents and school board members have argued that the current Chapter 70 formula is outdated and fails to account for rising costs in special education, health insurance, and English language learning.

"We have been begging for this for years," said one district superintendent who asked not to be named. "The formula was written for a different era. It does not reflect what it actually costs to educate a child today."

The commission, which had been dormant for several sessions, will now review the funding model and recommend changes. School officials in Franklin County specifically want adjustments that direct more aid to rural and suburban districts, which they say have been shortchanged compared to urban systems. Many point to the growing gap between what the state calculates as adequate funding and what districts actually spend per pupil.

State legislators who backed the revival say the goal is not just to add money, but to make the formula fairer. "This is about equity and accuracy," one lawmaker said. "We need a system that works for every community, not just a few."

The commission is expected to hold public hearings in the coming months and deliver a report by the end of the year. For now, school leaders say they are relieved that the conversation is finally moving forward.