The bill focuses on the allocation and management of Rural School Aid in Massachusetts, as outlined in the report submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means. It specifies that rural school aid is designated for eligible towns and regional school districts, excluding vocational and charter schools, with eligibility based on student density (not more than 35 students per square mile) and average annual per capita income (not exceeding the state average). The report highlights the funding history of the program, which has seen an increase from $1.5 million in fiscal year 2019 to $15 million in fiscal year 2024, and details the distribution of funds among three priority groups based on student density.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommends streamlining the reporting process for districts receiving rural school aid by replacing the requirement for annual three-year plans with a short survey detailing the utilization of funds at the end of each fiscal year. This change aims to reduce administrative burdens and standardize information collection, as the eligibility criteria for districts are expected to remain stable over time. The proposed survey would also gather updates on districts' efforts to improve efficiencies and promote regional collaboration, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the rural school aid program.