Requesting the acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 13E, to establish a Special Education Reserve Fund.

To the Honorable City Council: The Mayor respectfully requests that this Council accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 13E, to establish a Special Education Reserve Fund. The Special Education Reserve Fund will be utilized in upcoming fiscal years to pay, without further appropriation, for unanticipated or unbudgeted costs of special education and recovery high school programs, out-of-district tuition or transportation; and provided further, that the balance in such reserve fund shall not exceed two (2%) percent of the annual net school spending of the school district and that funds shall only be distributed from the reserve funds after a majority vote of the School Committee and a majority vote of the City Council. The Somerville School Committee voted to accept the provisions of MGL Chapter 40, Section 13E at its meeting on December 15, 2025. A copy of the minutes is attached to this communication. Appropriate staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration of this item. Respectfully Submitted, Jake Wilson, Mayor