Gov. Healey files supplemental budget to provide $100M for local schools

At the State House on July 15, Gov. Maura Healey announces the filing of a supplemental budget bill that would provide a one-time investment of $100 million to Massachusetts school districts in fiscal 2027.

Gov. Maura Healey filed a supplemental budget bill today that would deliver $100 million to school districts across Massachusetts in fiscal 2027, providing some relief for communities facing significant budget pressures.

The funding, from projected, unbudgeted collections from the Fair Share income surtax in fiscal 2027, would supplement education aid included in the state budget recently signed by the governor.

The administration said the one-time investment is intended to help school districts retain teachers, paraprofessionals, mental health counselors and other staff, while preserving important educational programming in communities facing fiscal challenges.

The budget bill would distribute the $100 million according to a formula based on fiscal 2027 enrollment, ensuring that every one of the state’s 319 operating public school districts receives additional funding, according to the administration. The new funding would amount to approximately $112 per student, on top of the $160 per student in minimum new aid included in the fiscal 2027 budget.

The administration said school districts would have the flexibility to use the one-time funds to meet local needs, including supporting classroom instruction, student services, early literacy implementation, key components of the state’s recommended high school graduation requirements, and other local priorities.

“We know that Massachusetts has the best schools in the nation, but there is always more to be done to ensure our students are getting an excellent education and to support our hardworking educators,” Healey said in a prepared statement.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added that she has been hearing from municipal and school leaders “everywhere I travel” about rising costs and pressures on municipal budgets.

“School districts are being forced to consider layoffs, cutting extracurriculars, or paring back student support services,” Driscoll said. “These funds will not only help avoid some of those outcomes before the new school year starts, but also give municipal leaders the time they need to prepare for how to fund education in their districts moving forward.”

Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz called the additional education funding “a responsible use of Fair Share dollars, which continue to be a stable, high-performing source of tax revenue designed to ensure our schools are providing the best education possible.”

The supplemental investment would build on the $7.66 billion in Chapter 70 aid to public school districts included in the fiscal 2027 state budget.