Turning Care into Capital: Maximizing Medicaid Reimbursement for School Behavioral Health Services
September 21, 2026 12PM – 1PM
Most districts are leaving Medicaid dollars on the table by not seeking reimbursement for services already provided by behavioral health staff. New regulation changes expand eligibility to include over 2100 School Adjustment Counselors, thus opening opportunities for increased revenue. This webinar will discuss strategies to enhance access to services through the BIRCh Center Professional Learning Communities for behavioral health staff, beginning early October. Staff that participate in the PLC will learn to improve documentation, workflows, and compliance to create efficient, sustainable systems that increase access to behavioral health services and maximize available Medicaid funding.
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MSBA Current School Building Updates, Policies and Practices
November 6, 2026 11AM – 12PM
This webinar will focus on the working with the MSBA process on potential school construction and renovations projects. Such issues that will be covered include the latest policy updates, the School Survey, the Heat Pump program and updates on the 2025 SOI process.
Presenters: Mary Pichetti, Executive Director, MSBA
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Finance Webinar – How to Build the Best School Budget
November 2, 2026 10AM – 12PM
This M.A.S.S. School Finance two-hour interactive webinar will include an overview of the multiple dimensions of fiscal resource management and the various components of financial support for public schools. Prospects for the upcoming year’s Chapter 70 and other state aid will be discussed. The presentation will incorporate examples of a comprehensive budget model, the budget process and timetable, enrollment considerations, and a budget message. The importance of communication will be highlighted.
Presenters: John Antonucci, Superintendent, North Attleborough Public Schools; and Roger Hatch, former DESE School Finance Director
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Licensure Updates with DESE
January 29, 2027 12PM – 1:30PM
Join the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for an update on educator licensure. This webinar will provide an overview of recent licensure changes, key requirements, and important updates for school and district leaders to support educators throughout the licensure process
Presenters: Brian Devine, Educator Licensure Administrator
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Finance Webinar – Chapter 70 Aid & Spending
February 8, 2027 10AM – 12PM
This session is scheduled to follow the release of the Governor’s preliminary Chapter 70 Aid and spending requirements for the upcoming year. This session will describe how local contributions, Chapter 70 aid and net school spending requirements are determined. Time will be reserved in the last part of the session to show how the formula works in participants’ own districts. The session will provide participants with the information needed to explain the release of the Chapter 70 figures to the school committee and the general public
Presenters: Roger Hatch, former DESE School Finance Director; and John Antonucci, Superintendent, North Attleborough Public Schools.
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Social Security Updates
March 3, 2027 12PM – 1:00PM
Join Kentia Torres, Area II Boston Public Affairs Specialist, for an informative overview of Social Security updates and benefits. The session will cover retirement eligibility, the impact of early retirement, disability, survivor and spouse benefits, strategies for maximizing your benefit, Medicare enrollment, the future of Social Security, the new Fairness Act, and how to use your personal my Social Security account and other online services.
Presenter: Kentia Torres, Area II Boston Public Affairs Specialist
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Legal Webinar: Reductions in Force (RIF) and Professional Teacher Status
March 8, 2027 11AM – 12:30PM
In this webinar Atty. Kelly Gonzalez will review issues relating to Reductions in Force and Professional Teacher Status. Given the financial circumstances afflicting school districts this year, difficult choices will have to be made about program and course reductions, as well as staff layoffs. This program offers an in-depth refresher for experienced Superintendents and a detailed introduction to these topics for Superintendents who are new to the RIF rabbit hole.
Presenter: Attorney Kelly Gonzalez
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MTRS Retirement Preparation Forum
April 1, 2027 10AM – 11:30AM
This webinar is for M.A.S.S. members, including our newest members. Many of you may have a deep interest in joining us this year, no matter how long you have been an MTRS member. This session is most valuable in your planning. Feel free to have your spouse or partner online. The program will provide you with information about retirement issues, including creditable service, administrator compensation, working after retirement, IRS benefit limits, health insurance, and possible pension reform proposals. As school district leaders, it is therefore both personally and professionally beneficial to you as you can use this information to assist other district staff.
The program will include the following topics:
MTRS Benefits and Recent/Proposed Plan Changes
Regular Retirement, Retirement Plus, Death and Disability Benefits
Presenters: Rich Grzembski, Assistant Executive Director/ Chief Benefits Officer and Jonathan Lapriore, Director of Member Services/North
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Mass Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) Budget Analysis
June 8, 2027 12PM – 1:30PM
The session provided timely and valuable information on the state budget process, local aid, Chapter 70 funding, special education reimbursements, transportation funding, the Foundation Budget Review Commission, graduation requirements, and other issues that may impact school districts and municipalities in the coming years.
Presenters: Meaghan Callahan and Doug Howgate
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Courtesy of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ youth