Massachusetts House Bill H298

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

To promote school centered neighborhood development

Impact

If enacted, H298 would amend the existing General Laws by introducing Chapter 40Z, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders including the Massachusetts Interagency Council on School-Centered Neighborhood Development. The Council will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of school-centered neighborhood development plans and fostering partnerships among educational and community entities. This restructuring aims to streamline efforts across local agencies to address gaps in service and provide a cohesive plan for supporting students and families within their communities.

Summary

House Bill 298, titled 'An Act to promote school-centered neighborhood development', aims to foster enhanced partnerships between public schools and their surrounding communities in Massachusetts. The bill proposes the establishment of a framework that allows for the creation of community schools, which are defined as public schools engaging in strategic partnerships to facilitate comprehensive support services and collaborative leadership. This initiative seeks to not only improve student achievement but also the overall well-being of families and local residents through enhanced community involvement and engagement.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding H298 include concerns over funding and the effectiveness of proposed programs. Detractors argued that the bill might divert attention and resources away from existing educational priorities or that the implementation of such a framework could face bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, there may be debates around the definition of community schools and the measures of success that need to be established to evaluate the program's effectiveness. It is crucial for stakeholders to ensure that adequate funding and support are available to enable the successful operation of this collaborative model.