Families in Massachusetts to Experience Delays in Financial Aid Offers

Due to an error in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), families in Massachusetts will face a longer wait for financial aid offers from colleges and universities this year. The Department of Education has announced that students’ financial data will not be sent to schools until March, a month later than expected.

The delay has been frustrating for students who are eagerly awaiting news on how much financial aid they will receive before making their college choices. Julie Shields-Rutyna, the director of college planning for the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, acknowledged the stress that students are feeling. She emphasized that it is not the students’ fault and that the necessary corrections are being made to simplify the application process.

Shields-Rutyna also highlighted that the improved application process, once fixed, should result in an expansion of the available financial aid. FAFSA provides assistance to nearly 18 million students each year through federal student loans, work-study programs, and Pell Grants for low-income students. However, this year’s rollout has already been delayed by technical glitches.

While waiting for the problem to be resolved, Shields-Rutyna advised families to stay in contact with their potential schools and to provide them with any relevant error messages they encountered during the application process. She also encouraged families to keep trying to complete the application and to be patient and persistent.

Free help is available through FAFSA Day Massachusetts events, which are taking place throughout the spring to connect families and students with experts who can guide them through this unusually challenging process.

Alabama Among 39 States Underfunding K-12 Public Schools

A new report reveals that Alabama is one of 39 states that “critically underfund” its K-12 public schools. The report, conducted by the Albert Shanker Institute, shows that Alabama is spending less on education now than it did in 2006, leaving nearly $5 billion of potential funding for school districts unutilized.

Bruce Baker, a professor of education at the University of Miami and co-author of the report, expressed concerns about the impact of underfunding on students, stating that it puts them at a disadvantage and widens opportunity gaps. Despite making efforts to match the national average in terms of funding, a significant proportion of Alabama’s students still attend inadequately funded and chronically underfunded districts.

The report recommends that states conduct audits to ensure adequate funding levels and equal opportunity factors are being considered. It also suggests that the federal government should play a role in meeting students’ needs, especially in states like Alabama that have higher poverty rates and a less robust economy.

New Hampshire’s Controversial Program to Subsidize Private Education

New Hampshire’s program to subsidize private education with public tax dollars is undergoing rapid expansion. However, opponents are concerned about the lack of data on student outcomes and are calling for a reevaluation of the funding.

The Education Freedom Accounts, which are estimated to cost the state $24 million this school year, provide subsidies for over 4,000 students, many of whom have never attended public school. Critics argue that the lack of data on how the money is spent prevents accurate auditing of the program.

Supporters of the program advocate for the removal of caps on who can use the funds, as they believe it provides parents with more choices for their children’s education. They argue that Education Freedom Accounts give families the opportunity to opt for private schools and create healthy competition within the education system.

Opponents, however, view these programs as part of a broader effort to dismantle public schools, limit teaching American history, and reduce protections for LGBTQ+ students. They are concerned about the potential negative impact of diverting public funds to private education.

Montana Teachers’ Union Opposes Legalization of Private School Vouchers

Montana’s teachers’ union is standing against the legalization of private school vouchers in the state. These vouchers, known as Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs), allow individuals to use state money to pay for private school tuition.

Although Montana’s House Bill 393 restricts the use of ESA funds to special education students, the Montana Federation of Public Employees argues that diverting state money to private schools denies students the protection afforded by the Montana Constitution and undermines public education.

Supporters of ESAs argue that students with special needs often fare better in private schools or homeschooling environments. However, opponents, including the teachers’ union, believe that the proliferation of ESA programs will ultimately harm public schools by diverting resources and funding away from them.

Mary Cathryn Ricker, president of the Albert Shanker Institute, emphasizes the increasing expectations placed on schools and the need for additional support. It is suggested that every state conducts audits to ensure funding levels are adequate and equal opportunities are being considered.