Reading about Municipal Relief
Over the summer, I’ve been getting caught up on reading the pile of articles and assorted materials on my desk. Today I (finally!) read the May 2009 report from the Special Commission on Municipal Relief from the State House and found it filled with both big and small ways to help cities and towns across Massachusetts be more fiscally sound.
Regarding education, the Commission basically made three recommendations. The first is to look at and possibly change some of the reporting requirements that the State has. According to the report, there are over 120 reporting requirements, “a new report every 1.5 school days.” We’ve all heard about the reports, but the numbers really bring home the burden to communities. By paring down the reports needed, more time can be spent working directly to improve education. At the same time, there seems to be a lot of data available–just wondering if some of it can be used to help with internal assessments.
The second area is regarding Special Education. Within this area, the Commission proposes several interesting changes, including: changing the way communities are reimbursed for medical expenses they need to provide students; and asking the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a set of “best practices for the purposes of providing quality, cost effective special education services.” This would certainly align with the new study commissioned by the School Committee to evaluate our Special Education program and determine how to do things more effectively and efficiently.
The third area is one in which Newton has already been talking about and working on: coordinating services with the municipal side and/or with other communities. This is an interesting area to look at for budget efficiencies, and it is helpful to know that the State seems willing to assist.
For a look at the report, click here: Special Commission on Municipal Relief, May 2009