This bill establishes two new transportation funding mechanisms for Massachusetts schools. First, it creates a Rural School Transportation Reimbursement Account to cover extraordinary home-to-school transportation costs for rural districts (excluding regional districts already receiving Section 16C funds). Second, it creates a Non-Resident Pupil Transportation Fund to reimburse schools for transporting students who live outside the municipality where their school is located, using state appropriations, grants, and interest. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education manages these funds, reports annually on distribution, and must assess funding adequacy every five years. The bill directly affects rural school districts and districts serving non-resident pupils, with reimbursements not counting toward local funding requirements.
By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 647) of Paul McMurtry relative to school start times for middle and high school students. Education.
This bill establishes a daily price cap on transportation contracts for school districts serving students with special education needs, out-of-district students, and students experiencing homelessness (covered under the federal McKinney-Vento Act). It creates a 15-member school transportation commission to set pricing rules based on student numbers, miles traveled, and current labor rates, with members representing school committees, transportation providers, and advocacy groups. The commission will review contracts annually, require direct approval for large contracts, and assess how transportation costs impact student outcomes. School districts and transportation companies must comply with these rules to prevent excessive pricing and ensure transparency in funding.
By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to reimburse school districts of unforeseen busing costs. Education.
By Representative Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 531) of Rob Consalvo relative to school transportation cost reimbursement for families of students with disabilities. Education.
By Representative Ferguson of Holden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 569) of Kimberly N. Ferguson and others relative to school transportation funding. Education.
By Representatives Scarsdale of Pepperell and Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 697) of Margaret R. Scarsdale, Kristin E. Kassner and others relative to full funding of regional school district transportation. Education.
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 597) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to reimbursement for in-district school transportation costs. Education.
This bill requires the state to fully reimburse school districts for special education transportation costs that exceed regular program costs. It directly affects cities, towns, regional school districts, and vocational schools serving students with special education needs. Reimbursement covers the regular program's average per-pupil cost plus excess costs (capped at 110% of the statewide average), calculated using specific department-defined methods. Funding increases gradually, reaching 100% reimbursement by fiscal year 2029. The bill ensures districts aren't burdened by costs not covered under existing programs.
This bill requires Massachusetts school districts to be reimbursed for transportation costs when moving foster children to their school of origin (determined to be in the child's best interest). The state's education and children's departments must apply to the federal government for reimbursement under the Every Student Succeeds Act, using a state-certified cost form. If federal funds don't cover all costs, the state department must reimburse the remaining amount directly to the school district. It directly affects school districts providing transportation for foster youth and ensures they aren't left bearing these costs.
