MA S314

Establishes a Rural Schools Aid Fund with $60 million annual transfer from the General Fund to support districts with 35 or fewer students per square mile and below-average per capita income, with priority given to the lowest-density districts

Creates a Declining Enrollment Fund for districts that have experienced at least 35% enrollment decline over 20 years, allocated on a per-pupil basis with priority to districts with the greatest percentage decline

Increases special education reimbursement to 100% of instructional and transportation costs exceeding the threshold, paid in the year costs are incurred, and establishes a legislative commission to review special education financing by June 30, 2026

Creates multiple regionalization incentives including a grant fund (up to $1.5 million over 3 years), $200 per pupil for new regional districts' first 3 years, at least 90% state funding for regional school facility projects, and debt relief for municipalities when schools close due to regionalization

Establishes an Office of Shared Services within DESE to assist districts with regionalization efforts and requires at least 3 members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to reside in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties