(a) MCAS. While many communities have done a good job in preparing students for this test, and working with students to help each achieve success (and a diploma), many of the assistance programs have been curtailed or eliminated. In a competitive culture, whether the young adult is interested in college or immediately entering the workforce, it is essential that schools provide the needed skills to allow these individuals the opportunity to succeed.
(b) Financial Pressure on year-to-year budgets. Over the past couple of years, Massachusetts has not been able to provide the same amount of funds to the school systems. Combine this with the stress that communities have with their own local budgets, and the resulting 'level-funding', and extraordinary steps are needed by School Committees to continue with the same level of service and programs. Now. more than ever, it is imperative that local school boards think outside of the normal limitations -
to pursue alternative energy (and related costs savings and grants)
to look for other resources for funds and grants (i.e. Donors Choose in NY)
to pursue corporate partnerships for programs, activities and facilites
to look deeper into the annual budget, searching for greater financial efficiencies
(c) School Buildings. While many school building projects have been placed on the "List" (note, that the new B-R High School has not yet been formally added), this does not guarantee payment. Please note 603CMR38.10:
(8) The Commissioner's determination and placement on the waiting list do not constitute a guarantee of project funding. Any applicant with a project on the waiting list may commence construction prior to the grant award but does so at its own risk. Only a grant award provides a funding commitment by the Commonwealth. The Board will award grants to projects on the waiting list as funding authorization is available.
Therefore, caution should be exercised prior to committing funds for any project. Also, there are still some serious financial concerns with the SBAB program. If and when funds will be paid to local school districts for building projects is a major open question for the State of Massachusetts, as the State struggles with a program with projects that comibine to cost more the Boston's Big Dig.
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