Archived Information

School Finance: Chapter 70 Program

FY07 Foundation Reserve Program

Application Instructions

The Legislature has appropriated $4,500,000 for the FY07 foundation reserve ("pothole") program [St. 2006 c.139, s.2, item 7061-0011]. The pothole program is intended to provide supplemental financial assistance to cities, towns, and school districts to address a variety of special circumstances. Municipalities and districts may apply for these funds in accordance with these instructions.

• Foundation reserve funds will be awarded in ten different categories, as described in the accompanying application forms  . Applicants should submit the appropriate form for each category for which they are eligible.

• Categories A, B, C, D, F and H are for municipal relief. (See eligibility criteria for Category F ). Applications in these categories must be submitted on behalf of a city or town by the mayor, town manager, or board of selectmen. Awards in these categories will be treated as unrestricted state aid and may be appropriated by the municipality for any purpose.

• Categories E, G, I and J are for supplemental educational funding. Applications in these categories must be submitted on behalf of a local or regional school district by the superintendent of schools. Awards in these categories will be treated as grants and may be expended by the school committee without further appropriation. Please note that charter schools are not eligible for foundation reserve awards.

• Because of the limited funding available and the large number of priority categories established by the Legislature, no applications will be accepted for other extraordinary and unanticipated needs. Municipalities and districts should only apply if they meet the eligibility criteria for one of the categories listed in the application.

• Applications must be submitted by mail to the address below, and must be received no later than close of business on September 15, 2006:

  Massachusetts Department of Education
  Attn: Christine M. Lynch
  350 Main Street
  Malden, MA 02148-5023

  Fax and email submissions cannot be accepted.

• Award amounts will be determined by the Commissioner of Education and will depend in part on the number of applications received, the size of the municipality or district, and the financial need for which the award is made. We expect to announce most of the awards by October 13, 2006.

Please note that foundation reserve awards are one-time awards that are not included in base aid calculations for chapter 70 aid in future years.

Questions regarding the foundation reserve program should be directed to program director Christine M. Lynch at 781-338-6520 or at clynch@doe.mass.edu.