DOR/DLS: FY2016 Local Aid Proposals,

FY2016 Local Aid Proposals

Governor Charlie Baker released his FY2016 budget proposal (House 1) today and we have posted local aid estimates based on his proposal to the DLS website at the link below:

http://www.mass.gov/dor/local-officials/municipal-data-and-financial-management/cherry-sheets/

House 1 recommends funding FY2016 Chapter 70 at $4.5 billion or $105.3 million higher than the FY2015 level, increasing Unrestricted General Government aid by $34.0 million to $979.8 million, and level funding most other cherry sheet accounts at the FY2015 amounts.

Local aid estimates for charter school tuition and charter school tuition reimbursements are based on estimated tuition rates and projected enrollments under charters previously issued by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Please be advised that charter school assessments and reimbursements will change as updated tuition rates become available. Estimates for the School Choice assessments may also change significantly when updated to reflect final tuition rates.

It is important for local officials to remember that the local aid estimates are preliminary and are subject to change as the legislative process unfolds.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) has published the Chapter 70 aid calculations, minimum contributions and net school spending requirements on the Office of School Finance website at:

http://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/

If you have questions about these estimates, please call Lisa Krzywicki at (617) 626-2386.