Senate Unanimously Votes to Increase Per Pupil School Funding 

Boost will take effect in FY25.

The Senate voted unanimously yesterday to increase the minimum state aid to schools from $104 to $110 per pupil during debate for the FY25 budget. Tewksbury’s Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover) was a co-sponsor of budget amendment 620. 

As the child of public-school educators and the product of a public education, Finegold has relentlessly advocated for resources for our schools. The Senate’s action on this increase is the result of conversations with school leaders across the Merrimack Valley who have expressed the urgent need for an increase in minimum aid. 

“This increase in funding reflects modern-day costs and will help schools continue to serve its students at the highest level,” said Finegold. “The Senate’s bipartisan action on this issue demonstrates a unified commitment to our student’s wellbeing and academic success. I am proud to have been a co-sponsor on this important amendment.” 

Wilmington Public Schools, Tewksbury Public Schools, Pentucket Regional School District, Amesbury Public Schools, Andover Public Schools, North Andover Public Schools, Whittier Tech, and Shawsheen Valley Tech will likely be positively impacted by this increase. 

“An increase to per pupil aid will make a lasting difference to the educational outcomes for students in our local schools. I am grateful for the legislature recognizing the unique needs of minimum aid school districts and acting quickly to fill in the gaps,” said Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove. 

State Senator Barry Finegold represents Andover, Amesbury, Haverhill, Merrimac, North Andover, Tewksbury, and Wilmington. Senator Finegold chairs the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.