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The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

House Ways and Means Committee's FY12 Budget Recommendations

To:
Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
From:
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner
Date:
April 14, 2011

Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee (HW&M) released its Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Recommendations. The HW&M budget plan is based on slightly higher FY12 projected revenues for the Commonwealth from projected current year collections and the Department's (ESE) total FY12 funding reflects these projected increased revenues.

The HW&M FY12 total budget recommendation for DESE of $4.481 billion represents an increase of $214 million above the FY11 spending authority (General Appropriations Act (GAA) and FY11 Supplemental Budget) of $4.267 billion. The appropriation levels recommended by HW&M for increases are consistent with budget priorities identified by the Board. The bulk of this increase relates to Chapter 70 (7061-0008), which accounts for $139.3 million, and the special education Circuit Breaker program (7061-0012), $80 million.

The following summarizes the HW&M budget in relation to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's budget priorities for FY12:

Secure Funding for Local School Districts

Reinstate MCAS History and Social Science Test Requirement

Increase Funding for English Language Learner Programs

Consolidated Literacy Line Item Account

Ensure DESE Capacity to Close the Proficiency Gaps and Manage Programs

Other Account Information

The attached chart compares the HWM FY12 House 1 budget to the current FY11 GAA and the Governor's House 1 recommendations. Variances are identified by appropriation.

If you have any questions regarding this budget, please feel free to call me.

Enclosure

Download Excel Document
FY12 House Ways & Means Budget and the Variance to the FY12 House 1 Budget and FY11 GAA Budget