Education Amendments

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-600

EDU 600

$175 per pupil

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0008, by striking the figure “$7,096,864,553” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,109,570,153”; and

In section 3 by striking the figure “$150” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-601

EDU 601

$200 per pupil

In section 3 by striking the figure “$150” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-602

EDU 602

Worcester Polytechnic Institute School of Excellence

Messrs. Moore, Durant and Fattman, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Cronin, Eldridge, Collins and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7061-9619 the following item:

"7061-9624 For the School of Excellence program at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute; provided, that every effort shall be made to recruit and serve equal numbers of male and female students; provided further, that sending districts of students attending the Institute shall not be required to expend any funds for the cost of these students while in attendance at the Institute; and provided further, that the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute shall provide professional development activities at the academy, including salary and benefits for teachers and visiting scholars ....................... $2,000,000"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-603

EDU 603

Regional School Reimbursement Increase

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0006, by inserting at thereof the following:- "and the clerks of the house and senate" and by striking the figure:- "$53,717,772" and inserting in place thereof the following:-"$57,169,862"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-604

EDU 604

Social and Emotional Learning Grant Program

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor, Eldridge and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0028, by striking out the figure "$5,962,647" and inserting in place thereof the following:- "$7,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-605

EDU 605

Foundation Budget Review Commission

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman, Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:- "SECTION_. The Foundation Budget Review Commission prescribed by Ch. 70, s.4 of the General Laws shall convene not later than January 2, 2026, provided that, in addition to the review of the items identified in said section, the commission shall also consider the challenges presented for school districts with declining enrollment, the increased costs associated with social-emotional learning and mental health, the costs associated with special education, and the methodology employed to calculate required local contribution by municipalities, provided further that, in establishing the scope of its operations, the commission shall conduct no less than 3 public hearings in geographically diverse locations in the commonwealth, which shall accommodate remote electronic participation. The commission shall file a final report, including legislative recommendations, no later than September 30, 2026, with the clerks of the House and Senate, the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on Education, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Executive Office of Education provided that the commission may file interim reports from time to time in the same manner."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-606

EDU 606

Study Commission on Minimum Aid School Districts

Mr. Tarr, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Fattman, Durant, Eldridge and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after SECTION _ the following section:-

"SECTION _. (a) There shall be a special commission to study and make recommendations concerning the long-term fiscal health of non-rural school districts that are facing or may face declining student enrollment and are receiving the minimum chapter 70 per pupil aid. The commission shall consist of: 1 member who shall be appointed by the president of the senate, who shall serve as co-chair; 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 senate; 1 member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; the deputy commissioner of the division of local services within the department of revenue or a designee; the secretary of education or a designee; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee; and 9 members 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, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the American Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts; 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, Inc., 1 of whom shall be representatives of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, 1 of whom shall be a municipal official with responsibility for municipal budgeting, and 1 of whom shall be a researcher from a public institution of higher learning with expertise in demographics and economics. Members shall not receive compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities as members of the commission. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall furnish reasonable staff and other support for the work of the commission.

(b) In making its recommendations, the commission shall consider: (i) long-term economic, demographic and student enrollment trends and projections of school districts that are experiencing population decline and have received minimum chapter 70 “per pupil” aid for at least the last 3 years; (ii) long-term fiscal trends in school districts experiencing declining student enrollment; (iii) an analysis of the fiscal health of regional school districts and the impact of regionalization on each contributing municipality, especially in low-income and middle-income areas, including funding impacts on each contributing municipality; (iv) the impact on school districts of meeting increased costs while receiving only minimum chapter 70 “per pupil” aid; (v) the sustainability of providing high quality education in districts receiving minimum “per pupil” aid; (vi) the impact on municipal finances and services on communities receiving minimum per pupil chapter 70 aid; and (vii) best policies and practices in other states. The commission shall make recommendations for: (i) effectively addressing any adverse impacts identified in subsection (b), including but not limited to measures such as: supplemental state educational aid, modifications to the aid mechanisms contained in chapter 70, including formula adjustments, and other forms of assistance or cost saving measures; (ii) establishing and including a low and declining student enrollment factor within the foundation budget; (iii) expanding the use of technology to deliver instruction; (iv) enabling operating efficiencies; (v) exploring the use of shared services; (vi) optimizing schools and school districts; (vii) encouraging improvement of fiscal health and educational outcomes; and (viii) characterizing the structural conflict in the current chapter 70 funding formula between declining enrollment and increasing costs for school districts, and identifying means to resolve this conflict. The commission shall include with its recommendations any cost estimates and feasibility associated with the commission’s recommendations.

(c) The commission shall hold not less than 5 public meetings and may hold additional hearings and other forums that it considers necessary. The commission shall file its report and recommendations with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the chairs of the joint committee on education and the rural policy advisory commission not later than March 1, 2026."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-607

EDU 607

Vocational-technical education program admissions

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION_. (a) There shall be a task force on vocational-technical education program admissions to examine and make recommendations on: (i) admissions policies pursuant to chapter 74 of the General Laws; (ii) the collection, dissemination and analysis of district-level and statewide data on vocational-technical education program admissions and waitlists for programs pursuant to said chapter 74; and (iii) the standard for review and enforcement of the policies pursuant to clause (i) and data collected, disseminated and analyzed pursuant to clause (ii).

(b) The task force shall consist of the following 15 members: the chairs of the joint committee on education, who shall serve as co-chairs; the chairs of the joint committee on labor and workforce development; a member of the house of representatives appointed by the house minority leader; a member of the senate appointed by the senate minority leader; 1 member of the gateway cities legislative caucus; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee; 1 member of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators; 1 member of the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education; 1 member of the Massachusetts Career & Technical Educators Organization; 1 member of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees; 1 member of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents; 1 member of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools; and 1 member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

The task force shall conduct at least 1 public hearing to receive testimony from members of the public. Not later than September 15, 2026, the task force shall file a report containing its findings and recommendations, including legislative recommendations, if any, with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the house and senate committees on ways and means.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-608

EDU 608

Best Buddies

Mr. Montigny, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Collins, Gómez, Oliveira and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0012, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $750,000 shall be expended for peer-to-peer inclusion programs for students with intellectual disabilities through the Massachusetts chapter of Best Buddies International, Inc."; and by striking out the figure "$491,991,844" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$492,741,844".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-609

EDU 609

Extraordinary Special Education Costs

Mr. Brownsberger, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0012, by striking the terms “exceed both $1,000,000 and 25 per cent of all tuition” and replacing it with the following:- “exceed both $1,000,000 and 20 per cent of all tuition”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-610

EDU 610

Chapter 70 Local Contribution Formula Working Group

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and Eldridge, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. O'Connor and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION_. There shall be established a chapter 70 local contribution formula working group to study and make recommendations for updating the local contribution formula as determined pursuant to chapter 70 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The working group shall consist of 7 members: secretary of education or a designee who shall serve has chair, The commissioner of the elementary and secondary education or a designee, the commissioner of revenue or a designee, 1 designee from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, 1 designee from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 designee from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, and 1 designee from Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. The working group shall issue a report that includes, but is not limited to, (i) an analysis of the impact of the current local contribution formula on municipal budgets, (ii) an assessment on municipalities’ ability to pay the required local contribution and maintain other municipal services, (iii) the impact of proposition 2½ on a municipality’s ability to pay the required local contribution; and (iv) an analysis of local contribution to education funding in other states. The working group shall include recommendations to update the local contribution formula to appropriately assess what a municipality shall contribute to education funding going forward. The analysis and recommendations shall be submitted to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on education, and the house and senate committees on ways and means no later than December 31, 2026."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-611

EDU 611

Fixing Chapter 70 Inflation

Messrs. Tarr and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following sections:-

"SECTION X. Section 2 of chapter 70 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking the definition of 'Foundation allotments' and inserting in place thereof the following new definition:-

'Foundation allotments', the sum of the foundation category costs for each district; provided, however, that the sum in each foundation category shall be the product of enrollment in each foundation enrollment category that is eligible for the respective foundation category and the per-pupil rate assigned to each foundation category; provided further, that in each year the per-pupil rate for each foundation category, except employee benefits and fixed charges, shall not be less than the foundation per-pupil rate in section 3 of this chapter adjusted by the foundation inflation index; and provided further, that in each year the rate for employee benefits and fixed charges shall not be less than the prior year's rate adjusted by the foundation employee benefits inflation rate.

SECTION XX: Said section 2 of chapter 70 is hereby further amended by striking the definition of 'Foundation inflation index' and inserting in place thereof the following new definition:-

'Foundation inflation index', is the ratio of the value of the implicit price deflator for state and local government consumption expenditures and gross investment in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year to the value of that same deflator in the first quarter of fiscal year two thousand and nineteen; provided that the increase in the index over the prior fiscal year shall not exceed four-and-one-half percent.

SECTION XXX. Section X and section XX of this act shall take effect on September 1, 2025, and shall be used in calculating the foundation budget for school districts beginning in fiscal year two thousand twenty-six."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-612

EDU 612

Chapter 70 Commission

Messrs. Tarr and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

“SECTION _. (a) There shall be a special legislative commission to be known as the School Finance Review Commission established under section 2A of Chapter 4 of the General Laws to study and make recommendations concerning strategies for creating a more equitable distribution of Chapter 70 school aid to municipal and regional school districts as well as other entities that receive chapter 70 school aid.

(b) The commission shall consist of: (i) the house chair of the joint committee on education or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair of the commission; (ii) the senate chair of the joint committee on education or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair of the commission; (iii) the chair of the house committee on ways and means or a designee; (iv) the chair of the senate committee on ways and means or a designee; (v) the secretary of education or a designee; (vi) the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee; (vii) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; (viii) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Inc.; (ix) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials, Inc.; (x) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, Inc.; (xi) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, Inc.; (xii) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Inc.; (xiii) 1 member to be appointed by the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, Inc.; (xiv) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association; (xv) 1 member to be appointed by the American Federation of Teachers; and (xvi) 1 member to be appointed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

(c) The commission shall study the long-term effects of strategies for distributing chapter 70 school aid including, but not limited to: (i) annual per-pupil allocations; (ii) hold harmless provisions to preserve the level of funds in periods of declining enrollment; and (iii) the establishment of reserve funds for extraordinary circumstances; (iv) the long-term fiscal trends in school districts experiencing declining student enrollment; (v) an analysis of the fiscal health of regional school districts and the impact of regionalization on each contributing municipality, especially in low-income and middle-income areas, including funding impacts on each contributing municipality; (vi) the impact on school districts of meeting increased costs while receiving only minimum chapter 70 “per pupil” aid; (vii) the sustainability of providing high quality education in districts receiving minimum “per pupil” aid; (viii) the impact on municipal finances and services on communities receiving minimum per pupil chapter 70 aid;

(d) The commission shall make recommendations regarding strategies for distributing chapter 70 school aid including, but not limited to: (i) considering alternatives for generating additional revenue to be delegated to chapter 70 school aid for the next 5 fiscal years (ii) reviewing the calculation of the foundation budget to provide adequate and stable allocation of public funds for school districts; (iii) reviewing the impact of economic conditions on the elements of the foundation budget; (iv) considering alternative means of distributing available revenue by studying previously used strategies, proposed new strategies and such other proposals as may be offered to adapt current practices; and (v) researching the effectiveness and viability of alternative means of addressing economic factors such as: inflation, recession, loss of state revenues, emergencies or changes to state or federal law that affects eligibility for public benefits and the effect that loss of such classification may affect the ability of school districts to provide a mandated standard of education; (vi) establishing and including a low and declining student enrollment factor within the foundation budget; (vii) characterizing the structural conflict in the current chapter 70 funding formula between declining enrollment and increasing costs for school districts, and identifying means to resolve this conflict.

(e) The commission shall file a report and recommendations to (i) the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate; (ii) the chairs of the House and Senate committee on ways and means; and (iii) the chairs of the joint committee on the education not later than December 31, 2026."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-613

EDU 613

Delivery of Special Education Services Study

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ____ the following section:-

“SECTION _____. The department of elementary and secondary education, in consultation with at least 1 public institution of higher education, shall study and report on the delivery of special education and services for students with disabilities pursuant to chapter 71B of the General Laws and all applicable federal laws, including, but not limited to, the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act of 1990 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The report shall include: (i) best practices and national standards for the delivery of education and services for students with disabilities; (ii) social and societal factors that impact students diagnosed with a disability pursuant to section 3 of said chapter 71B; and (iii) a comprehensive evaluation of existing and potential models for providing education and services for students with disabilities in-district and out-of-district settings and the associated costs and benefits including, but not limited to, personnel, transportation, housing, specialized services and supports and assistive technologies. The department shall submit a report with recommendations, including any legislative or regulatory changes that may be necessary. The report shall be submitted to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than May 1, 2026."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-614

EDU 614

RetirementPlus

Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gómez, Rush, Collins, Fattman, Mark, Durant, Lewis, Cronin and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Oliveira, Eldridge and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Payano and Kennedy, Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Fernandes, Finegold, O'Connor, Driscoll and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following sections:-

"SECTION XX. The definition of “Teacher” in said section 1 of said chapter 32, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- Any person who served in a position described above who is vested in the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system and is subsequently employed by the executive office of education or the department of elementary and secondary education shall retain the status of teacher and shall be considered as remaining in service in that capacity.

SECTION XX. Paragraph (a) of subdivision (8) of section 3 of said chapter 32, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- A teacher who becomes employed at the executive office of education or the department of elementary and secondary education shall remain in the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system.

SECTION XX. Said subdivision (8) of said section 3 of said chapter 32, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by adding the following 2 paragraphs:-

(e) An employee of the executive office of education or the department of elementary and secondary education who is a member of the state employees’ retirement system and who is reinstated in the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system pursuant to paragraph (a) shall not be deemed to have had an interruption of membership or service. Upon reinstatement, the member shall pay into the annuity savings fund of the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system in 1 sum, or in installments as the board may prescribe, makeup payments equal to the difference between the contributions paid to the state employees retirement system and the required contributions of the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system on all regular compensation received during the period of membership in the state employees’ retirement system.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other general or special law to the contrary, a member who is reinstated in the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system pursuant to paragraph (a) shall be entered into the state employees’ retirement system as a group 1 state employee upon retirement.

SECTION XX. (a) Notwithstanding paragraph (i) of subdivision (4) of section 5 of chapter 32 of the General Laws, an active or inactive member of the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system who: (i) is a teacher or school nurse; (ii) became eligible for membership in the teachers’ retirement system before July 1, 2001; (iii) began contributing to the teachers’ retirement system before July 1, 2001; and (iv) did not provide a written election to participate in the alternative superannuation retirement benefit program provided under said subdivision (4) to the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system before July 1, 2001 or at any other time prior to September 1, 2025, or declined to participate in the alternative superannuation retirement benefit program before July 1, 2001 or at any other time prior to September 1, 2025, shall have a new 1-time opportunity to elect to participate in the alternative superannuation retirement benefit program. A member entitled to make an election under this section shall have 180 days from the effective date of this act to make such election.

(b) A member who participates in the alternative superannuation retirement benefit program under this section shall make contributions at the rate of 11 per cent, pursuant to section 22 of chapter 32 of the General Laws, and may be required to provide make-up contributions at the rate of 11 per cent, upon such terms and conditions as the relevant retirement system may require, from the date that such member established membership in the teachers’ retirement system or the Boston retirement system.

(c) The teachers’ retirement system and the Boston retirement system shall notify eligible active or inactive members of the teachers’ retirement system and the Boston retirement system and shall provide information to school districts concerning the 1-time opportunity pursuant to subsection (a); provided, that the teachers’ retirement system and the Boston retirement system shall provide sufficient information pursuant to said subsection (a) and subsection (b) not later than 90 days after the effective date of this act."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-615-R1

Redraft EDU 615

State Aid to Regional Public Libraries

Mr. Oliveira, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Kennedy, Mark, Eldridge and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7000-9401, by striking out the figure “$19,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$19,500,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-615

EDU 615

State Aid to Regional Public Libraries

Mr. Oliveira, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Kennedy, Mark and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7000-9401, by striking out the figure “$19,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$19,950,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-616

EDU 616

Adult Basic Education

Messrs. Eldridge, Brady, Moore and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Payano, Fernandes and Collins, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Cronin, Kennedy, O'Connor, Oliveira and Gómez and Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0002, by striking out the figure "$58,923,559" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$59,853,278".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-618

EDU 618

Advanced Placement Virtual Courses

Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding the following words:- ; provided further, that $100,000 shall be expended to expand advanced placement course offerings through virtual enrollment options for high school students in the commonwealth; and by striking out the figure "$13,421,738" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$13,521,738".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-618-R1

Redraft EDU 618

Advanced Placement Virtual Courses

Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to expand advanced placement course offerings through innovative delivery models for high school students in the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure "$13,421,738" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$13,521,738".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-620

EDU 620

Zamir Chorale

Ms. Creem and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Zamir Chorale of Boston, Inc. to support its musical and educational programming”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-620-R1

Redraft EDU 620

Zamir Chorale

Ms. Creem and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Zamir Chorale of Boston, Inc. to support its musical and educational programming for the public”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-621

EDU 621

MassBay Center for Cybersecurity Education

Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7507-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $85,000 shall be expended for the MassBay Center for Cybersecurity Education"; and by striking out the figure "$23,389,560" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$23,474,560".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-622

EDU 622

METCO, Inc

Mr. Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Collins and O'Connor and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0012, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that funds appropriated in this item for fiscal year 2026 shall not revert to the General Fund but shall be available until December 31, 2026"; and by striking out the figure “$29,908,285” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$33,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-622-R1

Redraft EDU 622

METCO, Inc

Mr. Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Collins and O'Connor, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0012, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that funds appropriated in this item for fiscal year 2026 shall not revert to the General Fund but shall be available until December 31, 2026".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-625

EDU 625

Food Literacy

Messrs. Lewis, Mark, Moore and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Driscoll, Payano and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny and Collins, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. O'Connor and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for programs and resources to support farm to school and food system literacy programming in public elementary and secondary schools and early education programs; provided further, that the department of elementary and secondary education may expend these funds to: (i) offer grants through the current operating farm to school FRESH grant program in an amount of not less than $750,000; and (ii) expand the school wellness coaching program in an amount of $250,000"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,100,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-626

EDU 626

Regional School Transportation

Messrs. Durant and Tarr and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0006, by striking the figures “$53,717,772” and inserting in place thereof the figures:- "$62,717,772".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-627

EDU 627

College Navigator Services

Messrs. Durant, Collins, Eldridge, Payano, Fernandes, O'Connor, Brady and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-4000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $400,000 shall be expended for Easterseals Massachusetts College Navigator Services”; and by striking out the figure “$14,327,398” and inserting in the place thereof the following figure:- “$14,727,398”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-629

EDU 629

Advanced Placement Math and Science

Mr. Gómez, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Moore, Keenan, Driscoll, Payano, Collins and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0035, by striking out the figure “$2,000,320” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,392,809”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-631

EDU 631

Welcome Back Center

Messrs. Lewis, Gómez, Eldridge and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7518-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $190,000 shall be expended for the Boston Welcome Back Center at Bunker Hill Community College to assist internationally-educated nurses to become licensed to practice in commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure "$14,205,894" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$14,395,894".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-631-R1

Redraft EDU 631

Welcome Back Center

Messrs. Lewis, Gómez and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7518-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $190,000 shall be expended for the Boston Welcome Back Center at Bunker Hill community college to assist internationally-educated nurses in their efforts to become licensed to practice in commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure "$40,057,434" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$40,247,434".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-632

EDU 632

Independent Vocational Technical School Financial Assistance

Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7070-0065, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $750,000 shall be expended for financial assistance to students enrolled in independent, nonprofit vocational-technical institutions of higher education in the commonwealth that are minority-serving institutions as defined by the United States Department of Education at least twice in the previous four years and whose majority of students are eligible for federal Pell grants"; and by striking out the figure “$175,188,311” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,938,311”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-632-R1

Redraft EDU 632

Independent Vocational Technical School Financial Assistance

Ms. Miranda and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7070-0065, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for financial assistance to students enrolled in independent, nonprofit vocational-technical institutions of higher education in the commonwealth that are minority-serving institutions as defined by the United States Department of Education at least twice in the previous 4 years and whose majority of students are eligible for federal Pell grants"; and by striking out the figure “$175,188,311” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,688,311”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-633

EDU 633

Hands-Only CPR Training in the Commonwealth's Public Schools

Messrs. Rush, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7027-0019, by inserting the following:- "; provided further that the board of elementary and secondary education would provide to secondary schools not less than $375,000, which shall be expended for grants to support hands-on CPR training in public schools across the Commonwealth" and by striking out the figures "$6,531,266" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$6,906,266"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-634-R1

Redraft EDU 634

Boston Athletic Academy

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9611, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $35,000 shall be expended for Boston Athletic Academy, Incorporated located in the Hyde Park section of the city of Boston for after school programming and youth supports”; and by striking out the figure “$7,522,449” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ”$7,557,449”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-634

EDU 634

Boston Athletic Academy

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9611, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Boston Athletic Academy located in the Hyde Park section of the City of Boston”; and by striking out the figure “$7,522,449” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ”$7,572,449”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-635

EDU 635

Dedham Youth Commission Van

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by inserting the following:- “; provided further that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Dedham Youth Commission for the purpose of purchasing a van"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-635-R1

Redraft EDU 635

Dedham Youth Commission Van

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the Dedham Youth Commission to purchase a van"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-638

EDU 638

Urban College

Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7070-0065, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended toward academic and financial support services for students of the Urban College of Boston: A Two-Year College, Inc"; and by striking out the figure "$175,188,311" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,288,311".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-640

EDU 640

Local Food for Schools

Messrs. Fernandes, Eldridge, Keenan, O'Connor and Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by inserting the following:- "; provided further, that not less than $12,200,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support Local Food for Schools grant funding to enable public schools to purchase food from local farms"; and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,300,000.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-641

EDU 641

Transportation Pricing for School Districts

Mr. Fernandes and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION __. Section 7A of chapter 71 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

The department shall establish a pricing structure, including a daily price cap, for contracts between private transportation companies and school committees for the transportation of pupils receiving special education and out-of-district students, and for the transportation of pupils in school districts receiving funds under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, based on factors including the number of students transported daily, the number of miles traveled and the schedule of rates and wages furnished by the commissioner of labor and industries pursuant to the second paragraph, if such a schedule is furnished to a particular school committee. A school transportation commission shall be established within the department to promote fairness, equity and cost transparency in public school transportation for students receiving special education and out-of-district students. The commission shall consist of the following 15 members: 4 members from the department; 5 members serving on a school committee, to be appointed by the commissioner; 3 members representing school transportation providers, to be appointed by the governor; and 3 members of advocacy groups specializing in issues related to students in foster care and experiencing homelessness. The commission shall promulgate regulations, pursuant to chapter 30A, which shall include: (i) guidance on how to better serve pupils in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness, or pupils from migrant communities; and (ii) a system for ensuring compliance with the pricing structure and pricing cap developed by the department. Annually, not later than September 30, the commission shall conduct a review of school transportation contract compliance. Contracts exceeding a financial threshold, to be determined by the commission, shall be subject to direct review and approval, while all other contracts shall be subject to compliance audits and reporting requirements as determined by the commission. The commission shall annually assess the impact of the transportation pricing structure on the educational experience and outcomes for students, including special education, homeless and foster care students. The department shall use the results of the commission’s assessment to make necessary adjustments to the pricing structure, policies and guidelines to ensure that the transportation system remains effective and equitable."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-642

EDU 642

Rural School Aid

Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9813, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that for the purpose of calculating student density pursuant to this item, the department shall not include students enrolled in the school district due to their placement in the emergency housing assistance program under section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-643

EDU 643

Plymouth School Transportation

Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Any municipal school district, whose transportation costs per pupil exceed 125 per cent of the average transportation costs per pupil in the commonwealth, shall be reimbursed for its school transportation expenses in the same manner and to the same extent as regional school districts.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-644

EDU 644

Plymouth School Transportation

Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Any municipality whose total square mileage is within the total square mileage of any of the fifteen largest regional school districts, shall be reimbursed for its school transportation expenses in the same manner and to the same extent as regional school districts.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-646

EDU 646

Civics Education

Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2E, in item 1595-0115, by striking out the figure “$2,500,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,500,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-646-R1

Redraft EDU 646

Civics Education

Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge, Lewis, Keenan and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2E, in item 1595-0115, by striking out the figure “$2,500,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-647

EDU 647

EcoTarium Out of School STEM Education

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Natural History Society, doing business as the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature, for science, technology, engineering, and math education programs, including transportation to and from such programs as necessary, to be delivered in community centers, libraries, schools, and youth-serving organizations during out-of-school hours”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-647-R1

Redraft EDU 647

EcoTarium Out of School STEM Education

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Natural History Society, doing business as the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature, for science, technology, engineering and math education programs, including transportation to and from such programs as necessary, to be delivered in community centers, libraries, schools and youth-serving organizations during out-of-school hours”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$190,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-648

EDU 648

Career Pathway Workshops

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be provided to the Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunities Foundation, Inc., doing business as the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, to host, and provide necessary travel to and from, events and workshops for students on high-priority industries and career paths”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$190,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-648-R1

Redraft EDU 648

Career Pathway Workshops

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $80,000 shall be provided to the Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunities Foundation, Inc., doing business as the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, to host, and provide necessary travel to and from, events and workshops for students on high-priority industries and career paths”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$180,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-649

EDU 649

Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc

Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Gómez, Eldridge, Collins, O'Connor and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended to Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc. to provide evidence-based early childhood education programs to enhance language, literacy and early relational health for preschool children from communities with untapped potential."; and by striking the figure "$7,993,365" and inserting in place thereof the figure "$8,443,365".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-649-R1

Redraft EDU 649

Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc

Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Gómez, Eldridge, Collins, O'Connor, Payano and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc. to provide evidence-based early childhood education programs to enhance language, literacy and early relational health for preschool children from communities with untapped potential"; and by striking out the figure "$7,993,365" and inserting in place thereof the figure "$8,293,365".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-650

EDU 650

Journey into Education and Teaching

Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended for the Journey into Education and Teaching program”; and by striking out the figure "$4,850,964" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$5,300,964".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-650-R1

Redraft EDU 650

Journey into Education and Teaching

Ms. Jehlen and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended for Journey into Education & Teaching, Inc. to strengthen the educator workforce pipeline”; and by striking out the figure "$4,850,964" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,300,964".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-652

EDU 652

Regional School Transportation Reimbursements

Mr. Cronin, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark, Tarr, Eldridge and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0006, by striking out the figure “$53,717,772” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$77,708,301”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-653

EDU 653

New England Board of Higher Education

Mr. Cronin and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0009, by striking out the figure “$374,740” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$433,525”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-654

EDU 654

Massachusetts Biotechnology Education

Messrs. Cronin and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,00 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation, Inc. to increase career pathways for the life sciences sector”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$300,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-654-R1

Redraft EDU 654

Massachusetts Biotechnology Education

Messrs. Cronin, Lewis, Eldridge and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation, Inc. to increase career pathways for the life sciences sector”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-655

EDU 655

Increasing Vocational Education Access

Messrs. Cronin and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0001, by inserting after the words “transportation program”, the following words:- “; provided further, DESE is prohibited from awarding funds from this grant program to vocational school districts that discriminate against protected classes of applicants and economically disadvantaged applicants, by using selective admissions criteria to rank order applicants, as measured by DESE opportunity gap data;".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-657

EDU 657

Career and Technical Education

Messrs. Cronin, Brady, Moore, Lewis, O'Connor and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0001, by striking out the figure “$3,118,500” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-659

EDU 659

Reach Out and Read

Mr. Cronin, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Payano, Collins, Gómez, Eldridge, Keenan, Mark, Montigny, Oliveira and Fernandes, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. O'Connor, Moore, Velis, Crighton, Brady and Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-7070, by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,750,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-660

EDU 660

Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University

Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7116-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Latino Education Institute and pre-collegiate programs at Worcester State University”; and by striking out the figure “$42,665,420” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$42,715,420”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-661

EDU 661

Girl Scouts of Massachusetts

Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Gómez, Mark, Payano, Fernandes and Collins, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Girl Scout Councils of Massachusetts to provide afterschool, out-of-school and continuing education for girls in the areas of STEM, entrepreneurship, life skills, and the outdoors as well as leadership development”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-663

EDU 663

ScienceLIVE

Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Gómez, Moore and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School for the ScienceLIVE outreach and education program aimed at attracting young women to careers in STEM”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$300,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-664

EDU 664

Accessible school transportation for Reading public schools

Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the Reading school district for accessible school transportation for students with special needs." and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-665

EDU 665

To Ensure Adequate and Equitable Funding for Public Education

"7009-xxxx For the operation of the commission established in section X of this act, including, but not limited to, staffing and administrative expenses............................ $250,000"; and

by inserting after section __ the following sections:-

"SECTION X. Chapter 70 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking section 4 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 4. (a) There shall be a commission to study and make recommendations for adequately and equitably funding PreK-12 public education in the Commonwealth so that all children may receive a high quality education that prepares them to lead full, productive lives. The scope of the study shall include all aspects of the school funding formula as well as other funding streams for PreK-12 public schools. The study shall include, but not be limited to, the following areas: (i) all components of the foundation budget created pursuant to section 3 of chapter 70 and subsequent changes made to the foundation budget by law; (ii) whether the cap on the foundation inflation index should be removed; (iii) how to appropriately account for and fund the level and acuity of need for special education services; (iv) how to appropriately account for and fund the cost of transporting various types of students; (v) how to best address the impact of low and declining enrollment on districts; (vi) how to best address the unique challenges faced by rural districts; (vii) the impact of the fixed 59 percent local share of the statewide foundation budget on the calculation of combined effort yield for each municipality and whether the local share should be changed; (viii) the extent to which the wealth and income measures in the formula accurately determine a municipality's ability to contribute to its foundation budget costs and whether these measures should be changed; (ix) the impact of the growing number of municipalities that are subject to the 82.5 percent maximum local contribution and whether this cap should be removed or changed; (x) the impact of section 21C of chapter 59 of the General Laws on municipalities and their ability to make their required local contributions; and (xi) any other aspect of the school funding formula or other school funding streams that the commission deems necessary to fulfill its mandate. The commission shall consider and recommend ways that resources can be utilized most efficiently and effectively.

(b) The commission shall include: the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on education, who shall serve as co-chairs; 1 member to be appointed by the president of the senate; 1 member to be appointed by the speaker of the house; 1 member to be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; 1 member to be appointed by the minority leader of the house; 1 member to be appointed by the chair of the senate committee on ways and means; 1 member to be appointed by the chair of the house committee on ways and means; the secretary of education or a designee; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee; the commissioner of revenue or a designee; a representative from the Massachusetts Teachers Association; a representative from the American Federation of Teachers-Massachusetts; a representative from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Inc.; a representative from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, Inc.; and 5 members to be appointed by the governor who shall have experience in elementary and secondary education finance or municipal finance, at least two of whom shall reside in rural areas of the commonwealth.

(c) The commission shall solicit public input and hold not less than 5 public hearings in different geographic areas of the commonwealth; provided that at least 1 hearing shall include an option for remote participation. The department of elementary and secondary education shall assist the commission by furnishing staff support, materials, and fiscal analysis as needed.

SECTION XX. Not later than June 30, 2027, the commission established in section X of this act shall issue a report with findings and recommendations, including any legislative or regulatory changes that may be necessary to implement these recommendations. The report shall be submitted to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on education, and the house and senate committees on ways and means."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-665-R1

Redraft EDU 665

To Ensure Adequate and Equitable Funding for Public Education

Mr. Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Durant, Gómez and Mark, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Moore, Eldridge and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Driscoll, Payano, Finegold, O'Connor, Cronin and Oliveira, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Velis, Kennedy, Rush, Crighton, Brady, Montigny and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the department to study and make recommendations to improve the adequacy and equitability of the formula to determine a municipality’s target local contribution and required local contribution, as those terms are defined in section 2 of chapter 70 of the general laws; provided further, that said study and recommendations shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the adequacy and equity of the methodology used to determine a municipality’s target local contribution and required local contribution as a measure of a municipality’s ability to contribute to its foundation budget; (ii) the impact of local contributions to pre-kindergarten through grade 12, inclusive, education on municipalities’ ability to maintain and fund adequate levels of municipal services, including aggregate trends in municipal spending on education and non-educational services and primary drivers of such trends; (iii) the impact of the fixed 59 per cent local share of the statewide foundation budget on the calculation of combined effort yield for each municipality; (iv) the extent to which the wealth and income measures in the formula accurately and fairly determine a municipality's ability to contribute to its foundation budget costs; (v) the impact of the growing number of municipalities that are subject to the 82.5 per cent maximum local required contribution cap; (vi) the number of municipalities receiving minimum per pupil aid and the impact of such aid on those municipalities; (vii) the impact of section 21C of chapter 59 of the General Laws on municipalities and their ability to make their required local contributions; and (viii) potential additional methods of measuring a municipality’s ability to contribute to its share of education funding; provided further, that the department shall identify the implications of changes to the existing mechanisms that determine municipal contributions and the total state target local contribution including, but not limited to: (a) changes to maximum local required contribution caps, including the establishment of different maximum local required contribution tiers based on a municipality’s fiscal capacity relative to their foundation budget; (b) changes to the total statewide target local contribution; (c) impacts of declining enrollments on state and municipal contribution targets since the adoption of the aggregate wealth model; (d) changes that would address challenges that are unique to rural and regional districts; and (e) to the extent feasible, what the potential impacts of such changes would be if phased in over multiple years; provided further, that the department shall work in collaboration with the division of local services to inform its analysis of existing and potential modifications to local contribution requirements; provided further, that the department shall solicit public input and hold not less than 4 public hearings in different geographic areas of the commonwealth; provided further, that the department shall post a draft report and hold a public hearing and solicit public comment on said draft report; provided further, that not later than June 30, 2026, the department shall submit its final report to the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means, which shall include recommendations for regulatory and legislative changes”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-666-R1

Redraft EDU 666

Together for Kids & Worcester Literacy Partnership

Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less $25,000 shall be expended for the Together for Kids Coalition in the city of Worcester to promote the health, wellbeing and success of young children and their families; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Education Collaborative and the United Way of Central Massachusetts, Inc. for the Worcester Literacy Partnership to increase literacy achievement among children"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$165,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-666

EDU 666

Together for Kids & Worcester Literacy Partnership

Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less $25,000 shall be expended for the Together for Kids Coalition in the city of Worcester; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Education Collaborative and the United Way of Central Massachusetts, Inc. for the Worcester Literacy Partnership"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-667

EDU 667

Mendon-Upton Regional School District Security Upgrades

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended to the Mendon-Upton regional school district for school safety items, including but not limited to the purchase and installation of a single-point entry keycard system for enhanced school security”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$145,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-668

EDU 668

Oxford Public Schools Chromebooks

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Oxford public schools for education related expenses including, but not limited to classroom chromebook laptops”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-669

EDU 669

Bridge of Faith Youth Center

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Bridge of Faith Youth Center, Inc. in the city known as the town of Southbridge for infrastructure buildout and construction”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-671

EDU 671

988 Crisis Hotline on Student IDs

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, Fernandes and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ______ the following sections:

SECTION ______: Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 37R the following section:- Section 37S. A public school, including a charter school, that serves students in any of grades 6 to 12, inclusive, and that issues new or replacement student identification cards to enrolled students shall include on such cards the telephone and text message number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

SECTION ______. Chapter 73 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:- Section 21. A public or private institution of higher education that issues new or replacement student identification cards to enrolled students shall include on such student identification cards the telephone and text message number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

SECTION _________. As of the effective date of this act, if a public school subject to section 37S of chapter 71 of the General Laws or a public or private institution of higher education subject section 21 of chapter 73 of the General Laws has a supply of unissued student identification cards that do not comply with the requirements of said section 37S of said chapter 71 or said section 21 of said chapter 73, the school may issue such student identification cards to students until such remaining supply is depleted.

SECTION ________. Section 37S of chapter 71 of the General Laws and section 21 of chapter 73 of the General Laws shall apply to student identification cards issued on or after July 1, 2025.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-672

EDU 672

Old Sturbridge Village

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended to Old Sturbridge Village, Inc. in the town of Sturbridge for facility upgrades and maintenance”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-675

EDU 675

Melrose public schools

Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Melrose public schools for capital improvements"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-676

EDU 676

JFYNetWorks

Mr. DiDomenico, Ms. Edwards and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7061-9401 the following item:

“xxxx-xxxx For a statewide college and career readiness program implemented by JFYNetWorks, a nonprofit corporation, to: (i) provide online instructional curricula to help students meet the Massachusetts State Standards at each grade level and reduce learning loss and achievement gaps; and (ii) prepare students for required assessments and college placement tests in middle and high schools...........$875,000”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-677

EDU 677

Local Education Projects

Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the music program at the high school in the city of Everett; provided further, that not less than $25,000 be expended to La Vida Scholars in the city of Chelsea to support their college preparation programs; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the music program at the high school in the city of Chelsea"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-678

EDU 678

Local Education Initiatives

Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the theater program at public schools in the city of Cambridge; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be allocated for Loop Lab, Inc. to empower opportunity youth to have careers in media arts through job training and paid internships; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Courageous Sailing Center for Youth, Inc. in the Charlestown section of the city of Boston for youth programming and enrichment opportunities; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Girls on the Run Greater Boston, Inc to provide social-emotional learning and physical activity curriculum to elementary and middle school-aged girls in the cities of Chelsea, Everett and Cambridge and the Charlestown section of the city of Boston”; and by striking out the figure "100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "225,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-678-R1

Redraft EDU 678

Local Education Initiatives

Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the theater program at public schools in the city of Cambridge; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Loop Lab, Inc. to empower youth to access careers in media arts through job training and paid internships; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Courageous Sailing Center for Youth, Inc. in the Charlestown section of the city of Boston for youth programming and enrichment opportunities; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Girls on the Run Greater Boston, Inc to provide social-emotional learning and physical activity curriculum to elementary and middle school-aged girls in the cities of Chelsea, Everett and Cambridge and the Charlestown section of the city of Boston”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$225,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-679

EDU 679

Triangle Inc. School to Career Program

Mr. DiDomenico, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Lewis, Brady and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7027-0019, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for Triangle, Inc.’s School to Career Program that connects special education students with disabilities in Greater Boston to careers and their local communities”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$6,531,266" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,831,266".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-680

EDU 680

The Literacy Lab

Messrs. DiDomenico and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0033, by inserting after the word “months”, the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended for The Literacy Lab for the purposes of placing recent high school graduates in classrooms or community-based early childhood centers to provide evidence-based literacy intervention services to at-risk Pre-K students, and to provide participants with training, coaching, and professional development, with the goal of diversifying the educator pipeline and educating participants on the teacher education and licensure process in Massachusetts”; and by striking out the figure “$5,276,684” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “5,626,684”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-681

EDU 681

Health Education Trust Fund

Messrs. DiDomenico, Payano and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION ___. Chapter 29 of the General Laws by inserting after Section 2DDDDDD the following section:

Section 2EEEEEE

(a) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund to be known as the Health Education Trust Fund. The fund shall be administered by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education. The fund shall be credited with:

(i) revenue from appropriations or other money authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund;

(ii) interest earned on such revenues;

(iii) funds from public and private sources such as gifts, grants and donations to further health education and professional development; and

(iv) fines paid to the General Fund for an annual deposit violation pursuant to section 2 of chapter 94E. Amounts credited to the fund shall not be subject to further appropriation and any money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund.

(b) Amounts credited to the fund may be expended, without further appropriation, by the commissioner for purposes related to the implementation of sections 1 and 2 of chapter 71, including but not limited to:

(i) the development of curricular materials;

(ii) the purchasing or licensing of curricula and instructional materials; and

(iii) professional development training. Instruction shall be performed in a manner consistent with the learning standards developed pursuant to the comprehensive health and physical education curriculum framework adopted by the board of elementary and secondary education pursuant to section 1E of chapter 69.

(c) In expending amounts credited to the fund, the commissioner may prioritize underserved communities across the commonwealth, including but not limited to:

(i) those school districts with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students;

(ii) municipalities that have teen birth rates higher than the overall teen birth rate for the state; and

(iii) schools that are implementing parts of a comprehensive health education program compliant with the standards set by the department of elementary and secondary education for the first time.

(d) Amounts received from private sources shall be approved by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and subject to review before being deposited in the fund to ensure that pledged funds are not accompanied by conditions, explicit or implicit, on the implementation of health education programming that may be detrimental to the neutral and rigorous teaching of health education or unduly influence the direction of health education policy. The review shall be made publicly available.

(e) Annually, not later than October 1, the commissioner shall report to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means on the fund's activity. The report shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) the source and amount of funds received;

(ii) the amounts distributed and the purpose of expenditures from the fund, including but not limited to, funds expended to assist school districts in meeting the requirements in sections 1 and 2 of chapter 71; and

(iii) anticipated revenue and expenditure projections for the next year."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-682

EDU 682

Health Education Data Collection

Messrs. DiDomenico, Mark, Moore, Eldridge and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for data collection by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education pertaining to the guiding principles and standards of the most current Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework.

These funds shall be administered by the commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support each city, town, regional school district, vocational school district and charter school to file a biennial report regarding sexual health education, which shall include, but not be limited to, for each city, town, regional school district, vocational school district and charter school, by grade level:

(i) the name and a description of any sexual health education curriculum offered;

(ii) the approximate number of hours spent on sexual health education;

(iii) the number of students enrolled in sexual health education;

(iv) number of students who withdrew from sexual health education under section 32A of chapter 71; and

(v) other information as requested by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education pertaining to the guiding principles and standards of the most current Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework.

The report shall be filed with the board of elementary and secondary education each even-numbered year by a date and in a format to be determined by the board.

These funds shall be administered by the commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to

(i) support staff within the department to collect these reports;

(ii) fund reimbursements to eligible districts for costs associated with the creation of the biennial report regarding sexual health education curriculum that meets the standards of the most current Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework

The commissioner shall make the data collected under this section available to the public on the department’s website and transmit the data to the department of public health within 30 days of the date established by the board for the filing of biennial reports under this section"; and by striking out the figure "$13,421,738" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "13,721,738".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-682-R1

Redraft EDU 682

Health Education Data Collection

Messrs. DiDomenico, Mark, Moore, Eldridge and Payano, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Gómez and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department of elementary and secondary education shall collect data on guiding principles and standards of the most current comprehensive health and physical education framework; provided further that, each city, town, regional school district, vocational school district and charter school, in consultation with the department of elementary and secondary education, shall file a biennial report regarding sexual health education, which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the name and a description of any sexual health education curriculum offered; (ii) the approximate number of hours spent on sexual health education; (iii) the number of students enrolled in sexual health education; (iv) the number of students who withdrew from sexual health education pursuant to section 32A of chapter 71 of the General Laws; and (v) other information as requested by the department of elementary and secondary education pertaining to the guiding principles and standards of the most current comprehensive health and physical education framework; provided further, that said report shall be filed with the board of elementary and secondary education, starting in calendar year 2026 by a date determined by the board; provided further, that data collected under this section be made available to the public on the department’s website; provided further, that data shall be shared with the department of public health within 30 days of the date established by the board for the filing of biennial reports under chapter 69 of the General Laws".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-683

EDU 683

Child Care Reimbursement Rate

Messrs. DiDomenico, Kennedy, Moore, Durant, Mark, Gómez and Payano, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Collins, O'Connor, Crighton, Eldridge, Cronin and Keenan and Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section: -

"SECTION ___. Notwithstanding section 13A of chapter 15D of the General Laws, inserted by section 32 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024, all child care financial assistance payments pursuant to said section 13A of said chapter 15D to providers through both vouchers pursuant to clause (i) of paragraph (b) of said section 13A of said chapter 15D and contracts pursuant to clause (ii) of said paragraph (b) of said section 13A of said chapter 15D, including Family Child Care Systems Administration, Priority Population Support Services Administration and base contract administration, shall include retention revenue policies and practices, including allowing providers to retain 20 per cent annual surplus revenue retention from both the unit rate and cost reimbursement payments that were in place prior to contracts with an effective date of October 1, 2024 resulting from the request for responses by the department of early education and care dated March 20, 2024 and titled “Contract Provider and FCC Systems – Income Eligible."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-684

EDU 684

Worcester ESOL Navigator

Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to the city of Worcester for drop-in ESOL classes at the Worcester public library”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$140,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-686

EDU 686

Community College

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following new section:--

"SECTION 21 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after the word "credits" the following:-- "provided, that no person shall be eligible for said community college program who is not legally present in the United States"

moves to further amend in SECTION 22 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024 after the word, "applicable" the following:-"provided, that no person shall be eligible for in-state tuition who is not legally present in the United States"."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-687

EDU 687

Community College and In-State Tuition Program Integrity

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following new section:--

"SECTION 21 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after the word, "credits" the following words:- ", provided further, said student shall report to the college in a timely manner the disposition of such application, and if said application does not result in the student achieving citizenship or other lawful status, the community college which the student attended may issue an invoice for the foregone cost of education provided, and collect payment for such cost, provided further, that such payment may be made in installments over a period of not more than 7 years."

moves to further amend in SECTION 22 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024, by inserting after the word, "applicable" the following words:-"in Section 22 by inserting after the word, "section" the following words:- ", provided further, said student shall report to the college in a timely manner the disposition of such application, and if said application does not result in the student achieving citizenship or other lawful status, the community college which the student attended may issue an invoice for the foregone cost of education provided, and collect payment for such cost, provided further, that such payment may be made in installments over a period of not more than 7 years.""

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-688

EDU 688

CFCE Grant Program

Messrs. Fattman, Eldridge and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-7050, by striking out the figure "$11,740,598" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$12,740,598".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-689

EDU 689

Hunger-Free Campus Initiative

Ms. Lovely, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny and Gómez, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Mark, Lewis, Oliveira, Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Brady, Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7066-9600 the following item:-

“7066-XXXX For the department of higher education to support a hunger-free campus initiative in order to address food insecurity at 2- and 4-year public institutions of higher learning and minority-serving institutions as defined by the United States Department of Education; provided, that the department is authorized to award grants to campuses that maximize student enrollment in federal nutrition benefit programs, promote on-campus grocers that accept nutrition program benefits, increase access to available meal cards and meal swipe options where feasible, maximize student access to on-campus or area food pantries in collaboration with regional food banks and support other campus-designed projects to address college student food insecurity; provided further, that the department shall issue a request for proposal through which colleges may apply, and award the program’s resources based on the demonstrated need and a proposed implementation plan submitted by each applicant; provided further, within 45 days following enactment, the department shall issue a request for proposals to eligible public institutions, and within 90 days following enactment, the department shall submit to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on higher education and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate a report with a list of grantees and the grant amount distributed to each; provided further that funding for the grant program may include, but not be limited to, appropriations from the Education and Transportation Fund established in section 2BBBBBB of chapter 29..................... $2,000,000

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-689-R1

Redraft EDU 689

Hunger-Free Campus Initiative

Ms. Lovely, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny and Gómez, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Mark, Lewis, Oliveira, Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Brady and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7066-9600 the following item:-

“7100-4003 For the department of higher education to support a hunger-free campus initiative to address food insecurity at 2- and 4-year public institutions of higher learning and higher education institutions in the commonwealth that have been shown to primarily enroll historically underrepresented groups as determined by the department of higher education; provided, that the department shall award grants to campuses that: (i) maximize student enrollment in federal nutrition benefit programs; (ii) promote on-campus grocers that accept nutrition program benefits; (iii) increase access to available meal cards and meal swipe options, where feasible; (iv) maximize student access to on-campus or area food pantries in collaboration with regional food banks; and (v) support other campus-designed projects to address college student food insecurity; provided further, that prior to awarding grants under this item, the department shall issue a request for proposal through which colleges may apply and make grant awards based on the demonstrated need and a proposed implementation plan submitted by each applicant; provided further, that not later than 45 days after the passage of this act , the department shall issue a request for proposals to eligible public institutions; and provided further, that not later than 90 days after the passage of this act, the department shall submit to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on higher education and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate a report detailing a list of grantees and the grant amount distributed to each grantee..................... $500,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-690-R1

Redraft EDU 690

Essex Heritage Teaching Hidden Histories

Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Essex National Heritage Commission, Inc. for the Teaching Hidden Histories program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-690

EDU 690

Essex Heritage Teaching Hidden Histories

Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Essex National Heritage Commission, Inc. for the Teaching Hidden Histories program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-691

EDU 691

Square One

Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Springfield Day Nursery Corporation in the city of Springfield to support at-risk children, address learning gaps and prepare students for school achievement"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-693

EDU 693

YMCA Youth-At-Risk Program

Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Mark, Tarr, Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$1,800,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,000,000”; and by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-693-R1

Redraft EDU 693

YMCA Youth-At-Risk Program

Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Mark, Tarr, Velis and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$1,800,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,500,000”; and by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,900,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-694

EDU 694

The NAN Project

Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Velis, Collins, Lewis, Tarr, Eldridge, Keenan, Fernandes and Payano, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor and Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further; that not less than $250,000 be expended to The Nan Project to increase mental health awareness and suicide prevention”; and by striking out the figure “$131,563,724" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$131,813,724".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-695

EDU 695

English at Large, Inc

Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $115,000 shall be expended for English at Large, Inc. in Woburn for the purposes of English language tutoring and small group instruction"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$215,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-696

EDU 696

Arlington Youth Counseling Center, Inc.

Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $115,000 shall be expended for Arlington Youth Counseling Center, Inc. in the town of Arlington for youth mental health support in Arlington"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$215,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-697

EDU 697

Children's Trust Massachusetts

Ms. Lovely and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-7000, by striking out the figure "$17,855,920" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$19,355,920".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-698

EDU 698

Salem State University Early College Educator Pipeline

Ms. Lovely and Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7009-6600, by adding the following words:-"; provided further, that $100,000 shall be expended to Salem State University for the early college educator pipeline", and by striking out the figure "$14,205,894" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$14,305,894".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-699

EDU 699

LEAP for Education

Ms. Lovely and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for LEAP for Education, Inc. to provide middle and high school students with academic enrichment opportunities and post-secondary and career readiness”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-700

EDU 700

ParentChild+

Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Mark, Gómez, Lewis, Moore and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-7052, by striking out the figure “$4,250,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,600,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-701

EDU 701

Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment

Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Durant, Gómez, Lewis, Keenan, Payano and Collins, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Eldridge and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-9600, by inserting after the words "student outcomes in programs funded under this item" the following words:- “and progress report on efforts to implement the higher education access law in accordance with sections 12, 35, 36, 165 and 168 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022"; and by striking out the figure "$5,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$5,500,000"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-702

EDU 702

Emphasizing Education for Workforce Development

Ms. Friedman and Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0002, by striking out the words "provided further, that funds may be expended on phase 2 pay-for-performance contracts based on outcomes-based contract measuring and funding services that result in employment and wage gains and that require bridge funding while final performance results are being analyzed" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $10,000,000 shall be expended to reduce the waitlist for English for speakers of other languages that is focused on training workers with the English language skills needed to fill in-demand jobs; provided further, that in determining a process for awarding grants, the Workforce Skills Cabinet shall create procurement requirements including, but not limited to, setting outcome metrics, measurement strategies, and provider payments"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-703

EDU 703

Rural School Aid

Messrs. Mark, Eldridge, Cronin, Oliveira and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9813, by striking out the figure “$16,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$25,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-704-R1

Redraft EDU 704

Greenagers, Inc.

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Greenagers, Inc. to provide teen and young adult environmental programming; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Mary Lyon Foundation for services and financial support to students and families in Franklin County"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-704

EDU 704

Greenagers, Inc.

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Greenagers, Inc. to provide teen and young adult environmental programming"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-705

EDU 705

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Messrs. Mark and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7113-0100, by striking out the figure “$24,894,530” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$25,188,409”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-706

EDU 706

BerK-12 Public School Regionalization

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to BerK-12 to perform regionalization and efficiency work with public school districts in Berkshire County and with the Mohawk Trail Regional School District in Franklin County; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-706-R1

Redraft EDU 706

BerK-12 Public School Regionalization

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to Berkshire Educational Resources K-12 to perform regionalization and efficiency work with public school districts in Berkshire county and with the Mohawk Trail regional school district in Franklin county”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-707

EDU 707

MassReconnect - Education to Workforce Marketplace

Ms. Lovely and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2F, in item 1596-2501, by inserting after the words “provided further, that funds from this item may be expended to create awareness and conduct public outreach related to MassReconnect”, the following words:- “provided further, that at the discretion of the Department of Higher Education, not less than $4,000,000 shall be expended on a comprehensive, integrated solution to reengage, retain, and support the successful degree completion of Stop-Out, Some College No Credential learners through an Education to Workforce Marketplace at a statewide level;”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-708

EDU 708

Community Mediation Grant Program

Ms. Lovely and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7100-0700, by striking out the figure "$2,813,465" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "3,413,465".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-709

EDU 709

Friends of Children FOCUS program

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4400-1000, by adding the following words: "provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for supporting transition-aged youth through the Friends of Children, Inc. FOCUS Program.; and by striking out the figure “$107,462,031” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$107,662,031”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-710

EDU 710

Protecting Public Higher Education from Federal Cuts

Messrs. Mark, Collins, Moore, Eldridge, Payano, O'Connor, Oliveira and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 1596-2501 the following item:

“xxxx-xxxx For a reserve to offset reductions in federal funding impacting staffing levels and the needs of students at the Commonwealth’s public higher education institutions; provided that at the close of fiscal year 2026 any unspent balance shall be made available to improve staff and faculty wage rates in order to make them more comparable with the national average, accounting for the cost of living………………………………………………………….$200,000,000

Education and Transportation Fund ........................ 100%”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-711

EDU 711

Railroad Street Youth Project

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Railroad Street Youth Project in the town of Great Barrington to support youth-inspired projects"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000”; and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-712

EDU 712

Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools Out of State Language

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding a new section:-

"Section XXX:

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the bureau of purchased services in the operational services division shall determine prices for programs under chapter 71B of the General Laws in fiscal year 2026 by increasing the final fiscal year 2025 price by the rate of inflation as determined by the division. The division shall adjust prices for extraordinary relief pursuant to subsection (4) of 808 CMR 1.06. The division shall accept applications for program reconstruction and special circumstances in fiscal year 2026. The division shall authorize the annual price for outof-state purchasers requested by a program, not to exceed a maximum price determined by the bureau, by identifying the most recent price calculated for the program and applying the estimated rate of inflation for each year, as determined by the bureau under section 22N of chapter 7 of the General Laws, in which the rate of inflation is frozen beginning with fiscal year 2004, in a compounded manner for each fiscal year.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-713

EDU 713

Hillcrest Educational Centers

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $50,000 be expended for the Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc. to provide programs for students with complex psychiatric, behavioral and or developmental disorders, including autism, and a variety of high risk behaviors”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-713-R1

Redraft EDU 713

Hillcrest Educational Centers

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc. to provide programs for students with complex psychiatric, behavioral and or developmental disorders, including autism and a variety of high risk behaviors”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-714

EDU 714

Adjunct Bill of Rights

Messrs. Mark, Collins, Moore, Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Driscoll and Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding a new section:- "Section XXX:

A. There is hereby established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund to be known as the Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund, hereinafter referred to as the fund. The fund shall provide resources to institutions of public higher education in the commonwealth to: (1) ensure that no less than 75 percent of undergraduate courses are taught by full time faculty and (2) ensure adequate support staff at each institutional by requiring that that no less than 75 percent of support and professional staff in each institutional department are full time employees; and (3) ensure that part-time and other non-tenure track faculty receive fully comparable pay, including per course pay parity, and benefits to full-time tenure and tenure-track faculty according to the provisions of section 2 of this act. The department of higher education shall determine funding allocation, with priority given to institutions with the highest utilization of part-time and non-tenure track faculty.

B. Section 3(2)(d) of Chapter 32, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:

For purposes of this section and notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, any faculty or staff who teach the equivalent of at least two three credit courses per semester or four three- or more- credit courses per calendar year at one or more state higher education institution, including a division of continuing education, regardless of funding source, including but not limited to subsidiary account CC, or whose cumulative weekly hours worked at all campuses, including hours teaching courses if applicable, is half-time or more for two or more semesters per calendar year shall be considered an employee eligible for membership in the state employees retirement system and shall earn creditable service for such time.

C. Section 4(2)(b) of Chapter 32, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is amended by inserting the following in line 476 after the word “membership” the following; -

provided, that in the case of any faculty employed at one or more state higher education institution, the board shall credit as at least one-half year of service, actual service teaching the equivalent of at least four three- credit courses per calendar year;

D. Section 4(2)(c) of Chapter 32, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is amended by adding the following paragraph: -

For faculty employed at one or more state higher education institution, the board, in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall allow credit for any previous period of service equivalent to teaching at least four three- credit courses per calendar year at one or more state higher education institution, including a division of continuing education, regardless of funding source, including but not limited to subsidiary account CC.

E. Section 1 of Chapter 32, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is amended by inserting in line 457 after the word “fund.” the following sentence: -

In the case of any faculty or staff employed at one or more state higher education institution, the full salary and wages received for teaching credit courses at one or more state higher education institution, including a division of continuing education, regardless of funding source, including but not limited to subsidiary account CC, shall be regarded as regular compensation and shall be included in the salary on which deductions are to be paid to the annuity savings fund.

F. Section 2 (e) of chapter 32A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended in line 114 by inserting after the word “hours” the following: - or faculty who teach the equivalent of at least two three or more- credit courses per semester or four three or more- credit courses per calendar year at one of more state higher education institutions, including a division of continuing education, regardless of funding source, including but not limited to subsidiary account CC, and regardless of the term of employment;

G. Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, the state employees retirement system shall contribute an amount equal to not less than 7.5 percent of each employee's regular compensation to all part-time or non-tenure track faculty member employed at a public institution of higher education who are enrolled in the Commonwealth s SMART Plan, as permitted by the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.

H. Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, all part-time and adjunct faculty shall, subject to collective bargaining with the exclusive representatives of the full-time and part-time faculty at the public institution of higher education, receive pay that is equal, on a pro rata basis, with that of full-time, non-tenure track faculty of comparable qualifications doing comparable work.

I. Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, each public institution of higher education shall establish a process under which part-time and other non-tenure track faculty, after successful completion of a probationary period, receive timely notice and priority consideration, consistent with other institutional and state policies, for part-time and non-tenure track teaching assignments. The provisions of this section are subject to collective bargaining between the public institutions of higher education and the exclusive representatives of part-time and non-tenure track faculty

J. Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, each public institution of higher education shall create a process for ensuring that qualified non-tenure track faculty members receive full and fair consideration in attaining a tenure-track position when one becomes available, consistent with department needs, institutional and state affirmative action, and other personnel policies. This process shall ensure that non-tenure track faculty: (1) accumulate seniority; (2) are notified of job openings prior to the job being posted outside of the institution; and (3) are interviewed during the search and screen process. The provisions of this section are subject to collective bargaining between the public institution of higher education and the exclusive representatives of part time and non-tenure track faculty.

K. Nothing in this act shall be construed to either limit or reduce salaries, benefits or hiring rights in existence at any public institution of higher education at the time this legislation passes into law."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-715

EDU 715

Marine Trades Association

Messrs. Tarr and Collins, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Eldridge, Cyr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7027-0019, by inserting after "programs" the following: "provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association to increase workforce development training opportunities and technical education in secondary and post-secondary schools for careers in the marine trades"; and in said item by striking out the figures "$6,531,266" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$6,681,266".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-716

EDU 716

Foundation Budget Review Commission Permanence

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:--

"SECTION ___. Section 4 of chapter 70 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking section 4 in its entirety, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 4.

There shall be a foundation budget review commission to review, every 5 years, the way foundation budgets are calculated and to make recommendations for potential changes in those calculations as the commission deems appropriate. In conducting such review, the commission shall seek to determine the educational programs and services necessary to achieve the commonwealth's educational goals.

The scope of the review shall include all aspects of the school funding formula, including, but not limited to, (i) the chapter 70 inflation adjustment cap; (ii) impacts of the cost of living on school district resources; (iii) the wage adjustment factor; (iv) special education costs; (v) how to appropriately account for and fund the cost of transporting various types of students; (vi) how to best address the impact of low and declining enrollment on districts; (vii) how to best address the unique challenges faced by rural districts; (viii) the impact of the fixed 59 percent local share of the statewide foundation budget on the calculation of combined effort yield for each municipality and whether the local share should be changed; (ix) the extent to which the wealth and income measures in the formula accurately determine a municipality's ability to contribute to its foundation budget costs and whether these measures should be changed; (x) the impact of the growing number of municipalities that are subject to the 82.5 percent maximum local contribution and whether this cap should be removed or changed; and (xi) any other aspect of the school funding formula that the commission deems necessary to fulfill its mandate.

The commission shall seek to determine and recommend measures to promote the adoption of ways in which resources can be most effectively utilized and consider various models of efficient and effective resource allocation. In carrying out the review, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall provide to the commission any data and information the commissioner considers relevant to the commission's charge.

The commission shall include the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on education, who shall serve as co-chairs, the secretary of education, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, the commissioner of early education and care, the speaker of the house of representatives or a designee, the president of the senate or a designee, the minority leader of the house of representatives or a designee, the minority leader of the senate or a designee, the governor or a designee, the chair of the house committee on ways and means or a designee, the chair of the senate committee on ways and means or a designee and 1 member to be appointed by each of the following organizations: the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc., the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, Inc., the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Inc., the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc., the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, Inc., the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, Inc. and the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials. 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 shall furnish reasonable staff and other support for the work of the commission. Prior to issuing its recommendations, the commission shall conduct not fewer than 4 public hearings across regions of the commonwealth. The commission shall be considered a special commission established by section 2A of chapter 4 and shall be subject to the provisions of said section 2A of chapter 4. It shall not constitute a violation of chapter 268A for state employee or a person employed by a school district to serve on the commission or to participate in commission deliberations that may have a financial impact on the district employing that person, on the commonwealth, or on the rate at which that person may be compensated. The commission may establish procedures to ensure that no such person participates in commission deliberations that may directly affect the school districts employing those persons or that may directly affect the rate at which those persons are compensated.

SECTION ____. The first report by the commission established pursuant to section 4 of chapter 70 shall be filed on or before November 1, 2026."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-718

EDU 718

Early Education background checks

Messrs. Tarr and Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following:-

"SECTION_. Notwithstanding any general or special law in addition to requirements of 606 CMR 14.00 the department of early education and care shall also the maximum extent feasible conduct checks on all international criminal databases. Any licensees shall submit under the pains and penalties of perjury all information submitted to the department"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-718-R2

2nd Redraft EDU 718

Early Education background checks

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 85 the following section:-

"SECTION 85A. Not later than March 1, 2026, the department of early education and care shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on education detailing the feasibility of expanding background record checks of candidates for licensure, employment or presence in programs licensed, approved or funded by the department of early education and care. The report shall include, but not be limited to: (i) information on international databases that include criminal history records and the ability of the department to access said databases; (ii) strategies for ensuring background checks are conducted with all reasonably available information; (iii) best practices for conducting provider background checks in other states; and (iv) any additional information pertaining to improving the process for conducting background checks for early education programs in the commonwealth.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-718-R1

Redraft EDU 718

Early Education background checks

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following:-

"SECTION_. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in addition to the existing background record checks required under 606 CMR 14.00, the Department of Early Education and Care shall require that any applicant and staff member including in a family-run center any person residing in the home or who has regular access to the home who has lived outside of the united states in the past 5 years shall submit to an international background check as a condition for licensure . Said background check shall include but not be limited to: (a) A verification and review of criminal history records or pending charges during periods of international residency, as provided by the appropriate foreign agencies or authorities; (b) An inquiry into any substantiated findings pertaining to abuse, neglect, or other behavior that could present a risk to the safety and welfare of children; (c) A review of any additional records or data deemed necessary by the Department to ensure that the affected individual meets the standards required for involvement in early education.

The Department shall establish protocols and enter into agreements or memoranda of understanding with foreign jurisdictions and relevant agencies to obtain necessary records, subject to compliance with applicable international, federal, and state laws.

All information submitted by applicants shall be submitted under the pains and penalty of perjury

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-719

EDU 719

Boston Plan for Excellence

Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to Boston Plan for Excellence to expand early college program opportunities through its STEM Tech Academy model and its STEM Career Pathways program and student support services”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figures "$300,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-720

EDU 720

Commonwealth Cares for Children Grant Program Formula

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following new section:-

"SECTION_. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commonwealth cares for children grant program as operated by the department of early education and care shall not apply the tier 1 equity adjustment as prescribed in the funding formula to a grant recipient unless said recipient has a majority enrollment in a low opportunity area"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-720-R1

Redraft EDU 720

Commonwealth Cares for Children Grant Program Formula

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2F, in item 1596-2410, by inserting after the word, "finance," the following words:- "and the clerks of the house and senate".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-721

EDU 721

LightHouse

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for LightHouse Holyoke in the city of Holyoke for a workforce development program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-722

EDU 722

Teacher Tax Deduction

Messrs. Tarr and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following:-

"SECTION __. For purposes of this section, the following shall be defined as

'Eligible Educator' -Kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, or aide who worked in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year.

'Qualified Expenses' -Necessary expenses paid for books, supplies, equipment (including but not limited to computer and related equipment, software, services, and online educational resources).

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary an eligible educator licensed and working in the commonwealth in a elementary or secondary school shall be allowed to deduct up to $500 of qualified expenses if filing individually or $1,000 if filling jointly with a spouse who is an eligible educator, provided that neither eligible educator can deduct more than $500 of their qualified expenses.

SECTION ___. SECTION ___ shall expire on January 1, 2030."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-723

EDU 723

Workforce Development and Education Programming

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Starfires Baseball, LLC in the city of Westfield for workforce development and education programming for youth partnerships with community organizations”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-723-R1

Redraft EDU 723

Workforce Development and Education Programming

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Starfires Baseball, LLC in the city of Westfield to establish an educational and workforce development program with Westfield public schools and youth organizations throughout Hampden County”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-724

EDU 724

After School and Out of School

Messrs. Crighton, Mark, Payano, O'Connor, Cronin and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9611, by striking out the figure “$7,522,449” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,522,449".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-725

EDU 725

LEAP for Education Lynn

Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for LEAP for Education, Inc. to provide middle and high school students with academic enrichment opportunities and post-secondary and career readiness”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-726

EDU 726

MSBA Commission

Messrs. Crighton, Tarr and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-

"SECTION XX. (a) For the purposes of this section, the word “authority” shall mean the Massachusetts School Building Authority established in section 1A of chapter 70B of the General Laws.

(b) There shall be a special commission to study and make recommendations regarding the: (i) capacity of the authority to meet the needs of current and future school facility projects; and (ii) racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic equity of the grant funding formula to ensure that all communities may participate in the maintenance assessment program established pursuant to section 16 of chapter 70B of the General Laws.

(c) The commission shall consist of: the chairs of the joint committee on education, who shall serve as co-chairs; 1 member to be appointed by the senate president; 1 member to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 1 member to be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; 1 member to be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; the secretary of education or a designee; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee; the executive director of the authority or a designee; 2 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a representative of a gateway city with knowledge of municipal finance and 1 of whom shall be an individual with demonstrated expertise in the design and construction of cost-effective school buildings; 2 members to be appointed by the state treasurer, 1 of whom shall be an individual with demonstrated expertise in the design and construction of green buildings and 1 of whom shall be an individual with demonstrated expertise in public health and indoor environmental quality in school buildings; 1 member representing Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; 1 member representing Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Inc.; 1 member representing Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, Inc.; 1 member representing the Massachusetts chapters of the American Institute for Architects; 1 member representing Massachusetts Facilities Administrators Association, Inc.; 1 member representing the Massachusetts Teachers Association; 1 member representing the American Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts; 1 member representing Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Inc.; 1 member representing Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.; and 1 member representing the Massachusetts Building Trades Council.

(d) The commission shall investigate and make recommendations on: (i) the current and future need to renovate and rebuild school facilities, availability of adequate state and local resources and extent to which current state funding for the authority may need to be adjusted to meet this need; (ii) the authority’s existing grant formula and potential modifications to the formula to ensure fairness and equity for all communities; (iii) the alignment of the authority’s construction cost reimbursement rate relative to the actual cost of construction and other authority policies that impact eligible project costs for reimbursement; (iv) incentive percentage points, including, but not limited to, how incentive percentage points are calculated for municipalities that qualify for 80 per cent reimbursement; (v) reimbursement policies for regional technical and vocational schools and how to ensure affordability for all member communities; (vi) reimbursement policies to help the commonwealth achieve its environmental and greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals; (vii) reimbursement policies that support healthy school facilities for students and staff; (viii) whether the authority should be authorized to spend money on equipment or be limited to funding education structures; (ix) whether the authority should add incentives for educational spaces approved under chapter 74 of the General Laws in programs that align to labor market demand; (x) strategies for addressing facilities needs of educational collaboratives; and (xi) any other issues affecting the ability of all students to attend school in high quality, accessible, safe, healthy and green school buildings.

(e) The authority and other state agencies shall make available to the commission any documents, data or materials in a timely manner when reasonably requested by the commission. The authority shall provide staff to assist the commission in completing its obligations under this section.

(f) The commission shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on education and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than June 1, 2026.".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-727-R1

Redraft EDU 727

Community College Student Success

Mr. Crighton, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Mark, Brady, Oliveira, Payano, Fernandes, Finegold, Velis, Kennedy, O'Connor and Eldridge and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7100-4002, by inserting after the word “months” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended on a pilot program to create an Accelerated Study in Associate Programs model at the community colleges, which shall include both full-time and part-time students”; and by striking out the figure "$16,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$18,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-727

EDU 727

Community College Student Success

Mr. Crighton, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Mark, Brady, Oliveira, Payano, Fernandes and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7100-0200, by inserting after the word “months” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended on a pilot program to create an Accelerated Study in Associate Programs model at the community colleges, which shall include both full-time and part-time students”; and by striking out the figure "$16,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$18,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-728

EDU 728

REAL Program

Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to The REAL Program, Inc. in the city of Lynn for early education programming”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-729

EDU 729

La Vida Scholars

Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for La Vida, Inc. for the La Vida Scholars program in the city of Lynn”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-732

EDU 732

BVT Special Education Transportation Van

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $124,000 shall be expended to the Blackstone Valley Vocational regional school district for the purchase of a special education transportation van”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$224,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-733

EDU 733

Increasing Access to the Seal of Biliteracy

Messrs. DiDomenico and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:

"SECTION ___. Section 1Q of chapter 69 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended in line 10 by inserting after the word “System” the following words- “or other assessment or equivalent alternative that the board shall establish."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-733-R1

Redraft EDU 733

Increasing Access to the Seal of Biliteracy

Messrs. DiDomenico and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 24 the following section:-

“SECTION 24A. Section 1Q of chapter 69 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “System”, in line 10, the following words:- or other assessment or equivalent alternative as determined by the board”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-734

EDU 734

School-Based Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center

Messrs. Velis, Eldridge and Keenan, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be allocated to the Behavioral Health Integrated Resources for Children (BIRCh) Project to continue the operations of the school-based behavioral health technical assistance center”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$600,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-734-R1

Redraft EDU 734

School-Based Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center

Messrs. Velis, Eldridge and Keenan, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Behavioral Health Integrated Resources for Children (BIRCh) Project to continue the operations of the school-based behavioral health technical assistance center”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$600,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-735-R1

Redraft EDU 735

South Shore Education Projects

Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to the city known as the town of Weymouth to support a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification program in the Weymouth public schools; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to the city known as the town of Weymouth to support the Weymouth high school rugby program; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to Grad Nite Live, Inc. in the town of Marshfield to support student safety and drug and alcohol free entertainment to local high school seniors"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-735

EDU 735

South Shore Education Projects

Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Weymouth Public Schools, of which $10,000 shall be expended to support a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification program and $10,000 shall be expended to support the Weymouth High School Rugby Program; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to Grad Nite Live, Inc. in the town of Marshfield" and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-736

EDU 736

Reimbursement for Statewide Vocational Transportation

Mr. Mark, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0007, by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$6,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-737-R1

Redraft EDU 737

Racial Equity and Justice Institute

Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7109-0100, by adding the following words:- ''; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Racial Equity and Justice Institute at Bridgewater state university for the expansion of professional development and consultive supports to aid in the closing of educational achievement gaps in higher education"; and by striking out the figure “$75,009,161” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$75,109,161”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-737

EDU 737

Racial Equity and Justice Institute

Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7109-0100, by adding the following words:- ''; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Racial Equity and Justice Institute at Bridgewater State University for the expansion of professional development and consultive supports to aid in the closing of racial educational equity gaps in higher education throughout the commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure “$4,850,964” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,950,964”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-738

EDU 738

Youth Court

Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the New Bedford Youth Court and Fall River Youth Court programs in the cities of New Bedford and Fall River to support juvenile diversion programs based on the principles of peer-lead restorative justice”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-740

EDU 740

School Nurse Liaison Project

Messrs. O'Connor, Montigny, Collins, Tarr, Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Gómez and Moore, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Brady and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0250, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the School Nurse Liaison Project to support student mental health by providing education, professional development training, and consultation support for public and nonpublic schools and by facilitating access to telehealth services in schools in the Commonwealth”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-741

EDU 741

Board of Library Commissioners

Mr. Oliveira, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark, Kennedy and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7000-9101, by striking out the figure “$2,074,268” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,489,122”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-742

EDU 742

Library Technology and Resource Sharing

Mr. Oliveira, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark, Durant, Kennedy and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7000-9506, by striking out the figure “$6,172,690” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$6,477,954”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-743

EDU 743

Bottom Line

Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by inserting in the final line, the words “the two programs” the following: “and provided further, that not less than $100,000 be expended for Bottom Line to provide college transition and college retention services for low-income or aspiring first-generation college students;” and in said item by striking out the figures “$6,531,266” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$6,631,266."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-743-R1

Redraft EDU 743

Bottom Line

Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 be expended for Bottom Line to provide college transition and college retention services for low-income or aspiring first-generation college students” and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-744

EDU 744

Legislative Commission on Vocational-Technical Admissions

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following new section:—

SECTION __.

(a) There shall be a special commission to study vocational-technical education program admissions in the commonwealth and to make recommendations on: (i) admissions policies pursuant to chapter 74 of the General Laws; (ii) the collection, dissemination, and analysis of district-level and statewide data on vocational-technical education program admissions and waitlists pursuant to said chapter 74; and (iii) the enforcement and review standards for said admissions policies and related data.

(b) The commission shall consist of the following 9 members: 3 members of the senate, including the senate chair of the joint committee on education who shall serve as co-chair, 1 member appointed by the senate minority leader, and 1 member appointed by the senate president; 3 members of the house of representatives, including the house chair of the joint committee on education who shall serve as co-chair, 1 member appointed by the house minority leader, and 1 member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 1 representative of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators; 1 superintendent or principal from a vocational-technical school; and 1 graduate of a vocational-technical high school or an employer in the trades industry.

(c) The first meeting of the commission shall be held not later than September 15, 2025. The commission shall conduct at least 1 public hearing to solicit testimony from the public. Not later than September 15, 2026, the commission shall file a report with its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, with the clerks of the house and senate and the house and senate committees on ways and means.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-745

EDU 745

Vocational-Technical Education Admissions Task Force

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following new section:—

SECTION __.

(a) There shall be a task force on vocational-technical education program admissions to examine and make recommendations on: (i) admissions policies pursuant to chapter 74 of the General Laws; (ii) the collection, dissemination and analysis of district-level and statewide data on vocational-technical education program admissions and waitlists for programs pursuant to said chapter 74; and (iii) the standard for review and enforcement of the policies pursuant to clause (i) and data collected, disseminated and analyzed pursuant to clause (ii).

(c) The first meeting of the task force shall take place not later than September 15, 2025. The task force shall conduct at least 1 public hearing to receive testimony from members of the public. Not later than September 15, 2026, the task force shall file a report containing its findings and recommendations, including legislative recommendations, if any, with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the house and senate committees on ways and means.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-746

EDU 746

Moratorium on Vocational Program Admissions Changes Pending Task Force Report

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following new section:—

SECTION __.

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of elementary and secondary education shall not: (i) promulgate or otherwise amend its regulations relative to vocational-technical education program admissions pursuant to chapter 74 of the General Laws prior to the completion of the report of the task force established pursuant to section 65; or (ii) take any other action prior to the completion of the report of the task force that would otherwise alter, amend or affect the admissions policies of schools and programs pursuant to said chapter 74 for the 2025-2026 school year or 2026-2027 vocational-technical education program admissions cycle.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-747

EDU 747

Old Rochester Regional High Gym Upgrades

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for gymnasium upgrades at Old Rochester Regional High School”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$120,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-748

EDU 748

New Bedford Children's Equality and Empowerment

Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the SouthCoast Community Foundation, Inc. to administer a 1-time grant program to provide access to resources for underserved residents in the Greater New Bedford area; provided further, that funds appropriated for the grant program in fiscal year 2023, fiscal year 2024, and fiscal year 2025 shall not revert and shall be made available for the purposes of the program for fiscal year 2026"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$600,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-749

EDU 749

Homeless Student Transportation

Messrs. Oliveira and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by inserting after the word "transportation", the following subsection:-

"(d) methods to create efficiencies for homeless student transportation costs"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-749-R1

Redraft EDU 749

Homeless Student Transportation

Messrs. Oliveira and Montigny, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by striking out the words “; and (d) other methods to improve efficiencies and reduce the cost of school transportation” and inserting in place thereof the following words:-

"; (d) methods to create efficiencies for homeless student transportation costs; and (e) other methods to improve efficiencies and reduce the cost of student transportation".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-750

EDU 750

Si, Se Puede

Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Si, Se Puede, Inc. for operational and programming costs, to improve youth outcomes in the city of Lawrence”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-753

EDU 753

United States of Readers

Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Mark, Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, in line 6, by inserting after “Laws” the following: “provided further that not less than $1,500,000 shall be expended for The United States of Readers program, administered by Scholastic Book Clubs, to bridge the literacy gap through increased book access in Title 1 elementary schools” and in said item by striking out the figures “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$3,100,000”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-753-R1

Redraft EDU 753

United States of Readers

Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Mark, Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,500,000 shall be expended for The United States of Readers program, administered by Scholastic Book Clubs, to bridge the literacy gap through increased book access in Title 1 elementary schools in the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,600,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-754-R1

Redraft EDU 754

Curry College School of Nursing

Messrs. Driscoll and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0020, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Curry College School of Nursing and Health Sciences to promote increased access to quality, equitable healthcare services in the commonwealth through its healthcare workforce development and nursing simulation programs in partnership with hospitals and medical facilities across the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,050,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-754

EDU 754

Curry College School of Nursing

Messrs. Driscoll and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0020, by inserting after the phrase “successful grant proposals” the following, “; and provided further that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to Curry College School of Nursing for their healthcare workforce development and nursing simulation programs in partnership with hospitals and medical facilities across the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure “$1,500,000.”