Public Policy Updates

MASC reports on Massachusetts public schools, education news, school committee issues and updates from the Department of Education.

This information has been compiled by MASC Field Director Tracy Novick.

Coronavirus News: Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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Published on Wednesday, 06 May 2020 07:45

Will schools be open in September? We asked several experts to weigh in (NECN)

Districts grapple with summer school models as coronavirus persists (Education Dive)

Lawsuit claims U.S. citizen children with undocumented parents are unfairly denied pandemic relief(The Washington Post)

Worcester teachers' union president raise concerns around remote learning plan (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)

Essex Tech delivers signs to homes of seniors (Salem News)

Two school districts on opposing sidelines on paying spring coaches (North of Boston Wicked Local)

Online banquets and a drive-in graduation on tap for Everett High (Everett Independent)

Senate President Spilka paints a 'frightening' picture of state finances due to pandemic (Metrowest Daily News)

How are teenagers coping during pandemic times? (WCAI)

Public Policy Updates: April 2020 Board of Ed

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Published on Tuesday, 28 April 2020 20:27

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education held their April 2020 meeting remotely on April 28 at 9 am. The agenda can be found online here; the video can be found here. 

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Public Policy Updates: April Economic Roundtable on FY21

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Published on Wednesday, 15 April 2020 20:45

Recognizing how radically circumstances have shifted since the joint revenue hearing back in early December, the chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Michael Rodrigues and Representative Aaron Michlewitz, together with Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael Heffernan, hosted an economic roundtable on April 14 to update the projected revenue for the fourth quarter of FY20 and the budget year of FY21. While Sen. Rodrigues, Rep. Michlewitz, and Secretary Heffernan were all at the State House, all testimony was taken remotely. 

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Public Policy Updates: March 2020 Board of Ed

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Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2020 19:56

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education held its March meeting remotely, under the Governor's emergency provisions during the pandemic. The agenda focused almost entirely on the Department's response to and organization for education during this time.

The agenda can be found online here; the video of the meeting is available here. 

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Public Policy Updates: FY21 Hearing on Ways and Means

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Published on Sunday, 08 March 2020 18:49

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held their hearing on education and local aid at the Malden Senior Center on Friday, March 6. The Committee was chaired by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Christine Barber. Testimony was only taken as invited; anyone wishing to give testimony on a budget matter may do so at the open session on Tuesday, March 24 at 11 am at the State House. Senator Lewis opened by quoting Hamlet, reminding speakers "brevity is the soul of wit."

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More Articles...

  1. Public Policy Updates: February 2020 Board of Ed
  2. Public Policy Updates: January Board of Education
  3. Spending Plans Required by Recently Enacted Legislation
  4. Public Policy Updates: State's economic future debated at consensus revenue hearing
  5. Report on the 2019 Delegate Assembly
  6. Public Policy Updates: October Board of Ed
  7. Public Policy Updates: The House deliberates and passes the Student Opportunity Act
  8. Public Policy Updates: The Senate deliberates and passes the Student Opportunity Act
  9. Public Policy Updates: September Board of Education
  10. Public Policy Updates: June Board of Ed
  11. Council for Fair School Finance files lawsuit for equitable school funding
  12. Public Policy Updates: May Board of Ed
  13. Public Policy Updates: April 2019 Board of Education
  14. Public Policy Updates: Joint Committee on Education
  15. Public Policy Updates: March Board of Ed
  16. Public Policy Updates: FY20 Joint Ways and Means Hearing
  17. Public Policy Updates: February Board of Ed
  18. Public Policy Updates: Rennie Center on Student Voice
  19. Public Policy Updates: January Board of Education Regular meeting
  20. Public Policy Updates: January Board of Education on school and district report cards, automated scoring