The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Foundation Budget Review Commission Report

In September I updated the Board on the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which was created by the Legislature in 2014 to review and make recommendations on the Commonwealth's school funding formula. The commission was chaired by the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Education, Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representative Alice Peisch, and it included representatives from a wide variety of constituent groups. Secretary Peyser and I were ex officio members.

As I noted at our November meeting, the commission released its final report on October 30, 2015. A copy is enclosed for easy reference.

At the request of the Board's budget committee, we have scheduled time at our December 15 meeting to discuss the commission's report and recommendations. Deputy Commissioner Jeff Wulfson and Roger Hatch and Melissa King from the Department's school finance staff will provide an overview and respond to your questions.

Enclosure