Student Opportunity Act Bill Signed into Law

Senate President Karen E. Spilka joined Governor Charlie Baker and her legislative colleagues at The English High School in Jamaica Plain Wednesday for the signing of the Student Opportunity Act. The historic bill, a priority for the Senate President, will provide an unprecedented $1.5 billion new investment in Massachusetts K-12 public education system, ensures public schools have the resources to provide high-quality education to students across the state, regardless of zip code or income level.

Assuming inflation, over the seven-year implementation timeline the bill will provide an estimated $2.2 billion in support of public schools. The Student Opportunity Act provides significant support to school districts that serve English learners and high concentrations of low-income students. At the same time, all school districts across the Commonwealth will benefit from updates to the existing funding formula, along with increased state investments in vital education aid programs such as special education transportation, school construction and renovation, and the 21stCentury Education Program.

“Today is an extraordinary day for our students,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to the idea that providing quality public education is not a luxury—it is both our greatest responsibility and our greatest opportunity. I am proud of the diligent and thoughtful work of Senator Jason Lewis, the education committee and the conferees, as well as the tireless advocacy by students, parents, teachers, administrators, advocates and others to bring this bill across the finish line. I have personally fought for more equity, predictability, and adequacy in public education funding for almost two decades, so I am honored to lead the Massachusetts State Senate as we make this landmark investment in our future.