I am honored to have been appointed by Speaker Mariano to two statewide special commissions that reflect some of the most pressing issues facing the 1st Franklin District. 

Commission on Low and Declining Student Enrollment

Appointed as House Chair of a special commission to study the long-term fiscal health of rural school districts that are facing or may face declining student enrollment. 

The inclusion of this commission in the Student Opportunity Act was based on legislation I filed last session in the House.

FINAL REPORT

OVERVIEW

• 'The beginning of the answer'

• Report: Massive financial infusion needed for rural Mass. schools

• Rural schools must not be left behind (Editorial)

• Our Opinion: A special commission has offered a lesson in helping rural schools; lawmakers should take note

• Commission calls for $60 million in funding to support rural school districts 

• School officials: 'Help us get onto a level playing field’

• Transportation presents financial, safety challenges for rural schools

• With School Choice leaving some rural districts behind, state report recommends cap on tuition for sending districts

• Report finds regionalization may only be ‘partial solution’ to challenges posed by low enrollment, less rural school aid

  
  

Commission to Address the Commonwealth’s Digital Divide

One of three House members appointed to a special commission to study equity and access to telecommunications services, including but not limited to broadband internet, for students and families in the commonwealth. 

The commission will make recommendations to address inequity and the digital divide for students and families with limited access to telecommunications services.