MA S400

Creates a commission to study and recommend changes to the PreK-12 public education funding formula in Massachusetts, with a report due by June 30, 2027

Commission will examine foundation budget components, special education funding, student transportation costs, impacts of declining enrollment, challenges facing rural districts, and municipal contribution requirements

Reviews whether to remove or modify the cap on foundation inflation index, the fixed 59% local share of statewide foundation budget, and the 82.5% maximum local contribution cap

Commission membership includes Joint Committee on Education chairs as co-chairs, legislative appointees, state officials, representatives from teachers unions, school administrator associations, municipal groups, and 5 governor appointees with education or municipal finance experience

Requires at least 5 public hearings across different geographic regions and appropriates $250,000 for commission operations including staffing and administrative expenses