Schools aren't catching breaks
Published on September 21st, 2005
Sometimes it feels as though the Stoneham School System just can't catch a break when it comes to state aid.
School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly reported to the School Committee on Thursday that the system submitted its request for a Foundation Reserve Grant, or Pothole Grant, to the state as it does every year, expecting the usual good news back that Pothole money would be making its way to town again this year.
Unfortunately, sometimes the best-laid plans go awry, and this year, Stoneham received a surprising response.
"It doesn't appear, at this point in time for the very first time in a number of years, that Stoneham will qualify," Connelly reported.
In a conversation with the Department of Education, Connelly learned that this year Stoneham did not meet one of the conditions for qualification.
"We would have qualified this year. until about July 1," explained Connelly. At the end of the state's budget session, just before Governor Romney signed the FY06 budget, an amendment was passed that gave each city and town in Massachusetts an additional $50 per pupil in Chapter 70 aid. For Stoneham's 2800 students, this amounted to $141,000 in additional revenue.
"It now turns out that by getting that $141,000, we do not qualify."
For the town of Stoneham and the Chapter 70 committee, which has been working hard on getting a significant amendment passed to the Chapter 70 law to guarantee the town a more equitable distribution of state funds, this amendment will not yield the type of funding the system needs.
"To only get $50 (per student) was disappointing.we were hoping for at least $500,000."
In addition to sending a letter to the Department of Education explaining Stoneham's dilemma, Connelly has spoken to State Representatives Paul Casey and Patrick Natale, and State Senator Richard Tisei, none of who recognized the consequences of this amendment and has pledged to work on finding a solution.
"This is an oversight the legislature did not intend or were aware of," echoed Assistant Superintendent Joseph Casey, who spoke to the three officials on Town Day. "They're going back to see if they can build legislative support to alter the language."
Two years ago, Stoneham received $200,000 in Pothole grant money. Last year that figure was $42,000. This is one funding source that goes directly to the schools, whereas other Chapter 70 funds go the town's general fund.
And speaking of Chapter 70, the committee that has dedicated itself to fighting for Stoneham's fair share of those state funds had a booth at Town Day where it encouraged residents to sign a petition to the legislature asking for more Chapter 70 money for Stoneham.
Currently, Stoneham receives about 13 percent of its budget in state aid, despite being eligible for up to 28 percent, which is the level many surrounding communities enjoy.
According to Chapter 70 Committee Co-Chair Sue O'Neill, the petition has about 600 signatures to date, but needs more.
O'Neill reported that the turnout of local and state officials at Town Day and at the committee's booth in particular was impressive and important. She spoke with Senator Edward Markey, who was also on hand, and described to him the inequitable position Stoneham is in at the receiving end of the state funds.
"I wanted him to see at the federal level just how devastating (it is) when the federal government talks about no child being left behind. But . our kids are being left behind."
"In signing the petition, we're asking the state to send more money into Stoneham to reduce the burden on our local residents," explained Casey. "Those of you that would like to limit any growth in your taxes or to restore lost services across the town.we're asking you to come forward and sign the petition and to speak as a single voice in the community.We do want what we are deserving of, we do want to go from the 13 to the 28 percent."
O'Neill encouraged residents who have yet to sign the petition, to do so. The committee will continue to make itself available to the public in order to get those signatures.
"We're taking care of our town and hopefully Beacon Hill will hear us."
Finally, Stoneham plans on being part of the celebration of International Walk to School Week.
October 5 is Walk to School Day but the celebration will go on all that week, from October 3-7. International Walk to School Week provides students, parents, teachers and community leaders to take part in the effort to relay the importance and benefits of walking, as well as making our communities safe places in which to walk. School Committee member Kristin Russo advised that more information is available through StonehamWalks@Yahoo.com
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