Chapter 70

You have probably heard the term "Chapter 70" and wondered what exactly it is. "Chapter 70" refers to a formula that was created in 1994 by the State to calculate how much money would go to each community in Massachusetts for public education. It's a complicated formula, but even back in 1994, it underfunded certain towns like Ashland. Since then, lawmakers have been battling to revise the formula to make it more fair. Ashland scored a small victory in 2006 when Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Tom Sannicandro and many others succeeded in getting additional funding for Ashland ($300 per student). However, the per pupil expenditure for Ashland still falls far below other Metrowest communities like Holliston.  In 2007, Ashland received $1,390 per child for public education. Holliston received $2,250 per child. The state average is $3,680.

If you'd like to see a list of how the Chapter 70 funding is distributed, please visit http:finance1.doe.mass.edu/Chapter70/Chapter_09p.html.

How You Can Help

Sample Chapter 70 Funding Formula Letter/Email Campaign

The most important long-term solution to the financial trouble facing Ashland is to fix the Chapter 70 funding formula.  After a letter campaign in 2006 and the tireless efforts of Senator Spilka and Representative Tom Sannicandro, Ashland was able to get an additional $300 dollars per student in state funding.  While that was a start, we need more!  We would like to rally as many people in our town to write letters to our State officials asking for more equitable State funding for education.

Every extra dollar Ashland receives in State funding will help release funds for other important town services including Police, Fire, Library, Council on Aging, Youth and Family Services, etc.  If we had an equitable amount of Chapter 70 funding, we would not be discussing an override! Whether you want an override or not, please help by writing, emailing, or phoning the State officials listed below.   

The timing of sending your letters and emails is important. We want our comments hitting the legislators in the weeks immediately prior to them voting. For the House, send your letters now. For the Senate, the best time to contact them is now through April.

Here's a list of important contacts in the fight to change Chapter 70:

State House, Room 109-E
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1230, Facsimile: 617-722-1130
E-mail: Robert.Antonioni@state.ma.us

Senator Karen Spilka
State House, Room 511C
Boston, MA 02133
508-872-6677, 617-722-1640
E-Mail: Karen.E.Spilka@state.ma.us

Rep. Tom Sannicandro
State House, Room 540
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-2090
E-Mail: Rep.TomSannicandro@Hou.State.ma.us

For ease of use, copy and paste the following addresses into a new email and send your message accordingly:

Karen.E.Spilka@state.ma.us;Rep.TomSannicandro@Hou.State.ma.us; Robert.Antonioni@state.ma.us;Therese.Murray@state.ma.us; Rep.SalvatoreDiMasi@Hou.state.ma.us; Rep.PatriciaHaddad@Hou.state.ma.us; Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us; 

If you're short on time, feel free to use/modify the following verbiage:

As a resident of Ashland, I'm tired of my child being shortchanged by the current Chapter 70 funding formula. Please make it a priority to overhaul the formula this year so that my town's public education is financed fairly.

Respectfully submitted,

(Name)
(Address)