AN ACT ENSURE ADEQUATE SCHOOL NURSING SERVICES

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 349 | Status

This bill would require the Department of Public Health to determine the sufficient number of school nurses as needed to meet the various health needs of the school-aged children in each of the Commonwealth’s school districts. Establishment of “one-size fit all” ratio for school health services in statute would not take into account a district’s individual needs in terms of the acuity of those in need of health services. Additionally, the geographical uniqueness of a particular community may require more nursing services than a school system of comparable size.

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 2005 | Status

This bill would allow the Board of Library Commissioners to provide for projects such as the purchase of books, library technology and or adaptive technology for the blind, hearing impaired and physically handicapped. The grants would also assist with the local start up costs for small libraries to join automated networks, the expansion of library hours and the strengthening of services to students. Under this proposal, approximately 225 grants would be made each year to public libraries throughout the state for projects, permitting every community to be eligible to receive a grant at least every three years.

AN ACT AUTHORIZING MATCHING FUNDS TO ASSIST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH ON THE JOB TRAINING IN THE SCHOOL-TO-WORK SYSTEM

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 341 | Status

This bill authorizes a sum, not to exceed $5 million in any one academic year, for the creation of a matching public-private partnership to link high school students with economic and on-the-job learning opportunities as part of the school-to-work transition program. Under this legislation, state grant monies would be awarded to regional employment boards, or local public-private partnerships involving community job commitments and work site learning opportunities for students—provided that such grants receive at least a 200% funding match from private sector participants. 

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 342 | Status

This bill will provide for arbitration hearings in teacher dismissal cases. 

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MODEL OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE COMMONWEALTH’S PUBLIC AND INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 728 | Status

Would authorize the Board of Higher Education to establish a pilot project to designate a demonstration project at an independent, licensed and accredited Massachusetts institution of higher education and a public institution of higher education to enhance the higher education environment in Massachusetts by sharing resources and minimizing the need to expand faculties, staff and facilities at public colleges.

AN ACT TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND TO STRENGTHEN PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 343 | Status

This bill would encourage school attendance by reforming the truancy laws. It would increase the current $20 fine to $50 per day and give the option of community service by the parents, the student, or both that can be imposed in addition to the fine. In addition, the proposed new law would split any revenue from fines between the school district and the court and would give the local school committee the right of first refusal for community service work assignments. In addition, the new law would allow excessive tardiness to be counted toward calculation of truancy as well. This reform would send an important message to parents and students that the Commonwealth and their local schools are serious about school attendance.

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 729 | Status

This bill would establish a two year pilot program to promote student retention and employment partnerships between the Commonwealth’s college and university graduates and the state’s business community. Participating business would agree to pay a percentage of a students college tuition in return for an agreement from the student to work for that employer for an agreed upon number of years. 

AN ACT PROMOTING ENHANCED STUDENT HEALTH IN CERTAIN SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 1886 | Status

Sustainability of the landmark Massachusetts Health Reform law (Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006) will depend in large measure to promoting a healthier population. The public schools are the best vehicle for promoting healthier lifestyles through proper nutrition and exercise as well as improved access to primary health care through provision of enhanced school health services. Healthier lifestyles will help to reduce incidence of chronic disease as students move to adulthood and access to primary care (including vision, hearing, and dental screening and treatment) will promote better health among students so that they are best able to learn in an increasingly competitive world. School facilities represent one of the largest investments of public funds in the future of our society and these facilities need to be able to accommodate programs that promote better health care, good nutrition and exercise among our youth. Beginning in July 2007, the state will begin investing at least a half billion dollars a year in new or renovated school construction. It will be more cost-effective of those facilities are built in a manner that accommodates the programs that improve the health of the Commonwealth’s children.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL COMMISSION TO STUDY ESSENTIAL HEALTH SERVICES IN MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Documents & Status: Text of Senate 100 | Status

This bill establishes a special commission to study health services for students in Massachusetts public and non-public schools, including the current level of school health services, gaps in school health services, the health needs of school children, and the role of schools in addressing health services issues.