Commissioner's Update
July 11, 2006

Dear Superintendents, and Leaders of Charter Schools and Collaboratives:

In this Update I have two announcements and three items recently posted at www.doe.mass.edu for your review.

Historic Ch. 70 Changes

The FY07 state budget was signed by the Governor on July 10 and includes the most significant changes to the Chapter 70 school aid formula since the education reform law was passed in 1993. A description of the new formula, along with the final FY07 state aid allotments and required local contributions, are posted on the School Finance page of the ESE website.

Department of Social Services Newsletter for Educators

I am pleased to provide you with this newsletter    from Department of Social Services Commissioner, Harry Spence, with some important information for educators.

Postings at www.doe.mass.edu:

1. Regulations Available for Public Comment
   
   1. Regulations on Competency Determination and Certificate of Mastery (603 CMR 30.00 and 31.00)
   2. Regional School District Regulations (603 CMR 41.00)
   3. Regulations on Under-Performing Schools and School Districts (603 CMR 2.00)
   4. MCAS Performance Appeals Regulations (603 CMR 30.05)
   
   
2. Academic Support Technical Assistance Session, July 21, 2006 in Shrewsbury - 8:30-2:30
   
3. Public Safety Issue - Rental of Inflatable Devices
   

I hope you are having a pleasant summer.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education