Stimulus money to benefit Swampscott schools

SWAMPSCOTT – As part of his Massachusetts Recovery Plan, Gov. Deval Patrick announced Thursday he would commit $168 million in federal education recovery funds to ensure every district in the Commonwealth reaches so-called foundation spending levels next school year.According to Patrick, the money will give 166 districts the ability to preserve programs and avoid teacher layoffs at a time when the economic crisis is forcing communities to increase class sizes and cut positions.The state education reform law established so-called foundation budgets for communities, setting a minimum funding threshold districts must meet so that students receive a “fair and adequate” education. According to Patrick, due to a historic drop-off in state revenue collections brought on by the recession, level-funding of Chapter 70 prevented 166 districts from reaching foundation spending levels. If the Governor’s Chapter 70 proposal is approved by the Legislature, dedicating a portion of the state’s estimated $1.88 billion for education programs from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will guarantee foundation-level funding for all districts.”Second graders only get one chance at second grade,” Patrick said. “Thanks to these federal recovery funds, we can give our students the education they deserve and avoid short changing their future,” Patrick said.If the plan is approved by the legislature, Swampscott would receive $255,260.School Committee Chairman David Whelan said for years the district has received less in Chapter 70 aid than most communities in the Commonwealth. Two years ago, Swampscott was among only 69 districts in the state that were reimbursed less than 17.5 percent of their foundation budget. At that time, communities receiving less than 17.5 percent of their foundation budget were told their rate would be phased in over a five-year period and at the end of that five years all districts would be at 17.5 percent.”Approximately 80 percent of the school districts in the state are receiving at least 17.5 percent of their foundation budget in state aid,” he said. “But Swampscott is only receiving approximately 15 percent. I think the intent of this is to bring communities getting less than 17.5 percent of their budget closer to foundation budget.”Swampscott School District Business Director Ed Cronin said if the legislature approves the funds it would mean Swampscott would receive 15.77 percent of its foundation budget from the state instead of 15 percent.Whelan went on to say the funding is good news for the town only if the legislature approves the spending plan.”I encourage everyone to call their elected officials and urge the legislature to approve this” he said. “It’s a bit premature to talk about specific programs but this is very good news for the town of Swampscott, the kids and our schools.”