Schools in Massachusetts: Casinos Will Stem the Budget Cuts

The Commonwealth's Growing Budget Gap 

Massachusetts is facing a $3.5 billion budget gap—the result of a national recession combined with poor policy choices here in the Commonwealth over the last decade.  The problem is severe and will impact our schools if we don't do something about it. Governor Patrick's proposed budget would reduce unrestricted local aid by 28.5%, and include a $300 million cut in education funding.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Education, these cuts would push funding in 153 districts a cumulative $168 million below the minimum levels that a district needs to provide adequate education.

Area Schools Need Help 

Boston

• $107 million budget deficit for public schools next school year
• 900 positions could be eliminated
• 370 could be teachers

Acton

• $1.8 million, estimated cuts due to anticipated shortfall in 2010 budget
• $1 million could be staff layoffs

Norwood

• $1.8 million, amount School Committee must reduce its fiscal 2010 budget request
• Music, will rid of programs at all school levels, elementary to high school
• 8 elimentary school positions must be elimnated, according to School Sup. John Moretti

Marlborough

• $800,000 budget shortfall
• Administration, layoffs at the Advanced Math and Science Academy

Cuts to Higher Education 

The University of Massachusetts is working on figuring out how to deal with $81.6 million in cuts to the state university's five campuses. Gov. Deval L. Patrick proposed cutting the university system's state budget to $416.3 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1, down $81.6 million, or 16 percent, from the $497.9 million originally approved for this fiscal year before Patrick made two emergency cuts to the budget.

According to Chancellor Robert C. Holub, the Amherst campus faces a $46 million shortfall. At UMass Boston, $5 million in subsidies are being trimmed as part of the larger cut. When accounting for other benefits, the Boston campus's state subsidy cuts are closer to $6.1 million. UMass Dartmouth has already cut $5.5 million from its budget last December by leaving vacant positions unfilled, closing the campus for two weeks over winter break, and reducing operating and utility budgets.

In addition, The Center for the Arts at UMass Lowell will close its doors at the end of the 2008-2009 season. Christine Brown, executive director of the program, noted that the program is ending due to Governor Patrick's emergency budget cuts. In its 22 years of existence the center's community programs have served over one million schoolchildren and families in over 50 communities, providing affordable theater, music, acrobatics, storytelling and puppetry performances. 

Currently, of UMass's $1.1 billion payroll, $476 million is covered by state appropriations. State appropriations in fiscal year 2010 to the UMass system are likely to drop by nearly 12 percent to $410.9 million.