Amendment ID: S2506-7-R2

2nd Redraft Amendment 7

Regional Schools

Messrs. Tarr and Ross move that the proposed new draft be amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new section:-

SECTION _. (a) There shall be a special commission established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to study and make recommendations to improve efficiencies relative to transportation for the following: students attending regional schools; students in special education out of district placements; students attending out of district vocational and technical schools; and students attending out of district agricultural schools; and any other student transportation the commission deems appropriate.

The commission shall consist of 1 member who shall be appointed by the senate president, who shall serve as co-chair; 1 member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; 1 member who shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, who shall serve as co-chair; 1 member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 person who shall be appointed by the secretary of education; 1 person who shall be appointed by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and 6 persons who shall be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, 1 of whom shall be a representative of Massachusetts Association of Special Education Administrators, and 1 of whom shall be a representative of the School Transportation Association of Massachusetts.   Members shall not receive compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for the reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities as members of the commission. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education may furnish reasonable staff and other support for the work of the commission.

(b) The commission shall study and report on: (i) a review of methods districts use to transport said students, including current costs and bid processes in procuring transportation; (ii) a budget assessment for said costs; and (iii) recommendations for improving transportation services. The commission, in formulating its recommendations, shall take into account the best policies and practices in other states. The commission shall hold at least 5 public meetings and may hold hearings and other forums as it considers necessary.

(c) The commission shall file its report and recommendations with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives who shall forward the same to the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on education not later than December 1, 2019.;