The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) released a position paper today on the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, urging Governor Maura Healey not to opt in to the program.
The position paper, approved by the association’s Executive Committee, asserts that the new law was designed to favor private schools and essentially will function as a school voucher. M.A.S.S. cautions that if adopted in Massachusetts, the program would have a significant negative impact on public schools, particularly if it exacerbates the declining enrollment that many school districts are already experiencing.
“At first blush, it could appear that public and private schools alike stand to gain from an influx of donations,” said Mary Bourque, Executive Director of M.A.S.S. “But a closer read of the law affirms that the deck is heavily stacked against public schools. The services that students in public schools can receive through scholarship funds are far more limited and can only be provided to families who apply for the scholarships and can demonstrate income eligibility.”
Dr. Bourque said that M.A.S.S. has grave concerns about inequities that the program will worsen, both between public and private schools, and within the public school system, between poorer and more affluent communities.
Included in the One Big Beautiful Bill approved by Congress in July 2025, the new law allows each state to decide whether or not to opt in to the program. Here in Massachusetts, Governor Healey is the sole decision maker about whether or not the Commonwealth will participate.
The position paper states, “With this important decision, Governor Healey has a critical opportunity to act once again in the best interest of the people of Massachusetts, by rejecting this cleverly disguised assault on public education.”