During a recent government meeting, Mark Walkovich, a member of the select board and liaison to the school committee in Peverell, Massachusetts, raised critical concerns regarding the state of school funding in the region. Walkovich highlighted the alarming disparity between the rising costs of education and the stagnant funding levels provided by the state, which have remained unchanged since 2001. He pointed out that the North Middlesex towns have been diligent in their efforts to address these financial challenges but face significant obstacles due to inadequate state support.

Walkovich noted that the state budget for schools has been level-funded at $21 million for several years, failing to account for inflation or the increasing costs associated with mandated services, such as busing, which is currently funded at only 78% of its required level. He emphasized the need for a reevaluation of funding priorities, arguing that while there are funds available for initiatives like student debt forgiveness and adult education programs, the primary focus should be on adequately supporting K-12 education.

Furthermore, Walkovich referenced discussions from various educational seminars that acknowledged a \"broken\" funding formula, indicating a widespread recognition of the issues within the current system. He urged state officials to prioritize funding for elementary, middle, and high school students to ensure they receive the quality education necessary for their success. The meeting underscored the pressing need for reform in school funding mechanisms to better serve the educational needs of the community.