Submitted by State Representative Ken Gordon
The Commonwealth will again contribute significantly to Bedford’s costs in educating children of families who live at Hanscom AFB, due to a successful budget amendment filed by Representative Ken Gordon.
House leadership included Gordon’s amendment to the FY15 state budget that will provide at least $400,000 to reimburse the town for education of students who live at Hanscom AFB but attend Bedford High School. The full budget is expected on the floor for a vote later this week. It will then be sent to the Senate.
“One of my top priorities for this district is to protect Bedford’s educational aid,” said Gordon. “At least $400,000 of that funding is safe for another year.”
The state extended the line item to Bedford for the fifth consecutive year.
“More than 50 years ago, Bedford’s leaders gave their word that high school students living at Hanscom would be welcome at its schools,” said Rep. Gordon. “In return for that, the Department of Defense contributed about 12 percent of the construction costs of the schools. Bedford long ago repaid this obligation and the federal government should step up and reimburse the town for the full costs of educating its children. Until then, however, the Commonwealth is continuing to contribute to the expenses so the town does not bear the full impact.”
The assistance is in addition to Bedford’s share of state educational aid, known as Chapter 70 funding, which was increased across the board this year.
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