As new funding formula sought in Massachusetts, Kennedy Institute to host June 24 conversation on the state of public education

BOSTON - On Monday, June 24, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will host state education leaders to discuss the challenges posed by the Commonwealth’s current funding formula and proposals for reform that meet the needs of students and families throughout Massachusetts. The issues expected to be covered in the June 24 program include the various legislative ideas on Beacon Hill, different factors to consider in an eventual solution, and related variables for the process from appropriations to funding.

The discussion is part of the Kennedy Institute’s Getting to the Point series that convenes individuals with diverse perspectives to discuss current issues and challenges facing the nation. The series takes on various formats – from town halls to keynote lectures and panel discussions – and showcases speakers from all walks of life. Previous events have included discussions with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Georgia Congressman John Lewis, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, Former Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza, MSNBC’s Katy Tur, The Daily Show’s Zhubin Parang, 19th U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and others.

WHO:

• Steve Brown, State House Reporter & WBUR Anchor
• Colin Jones, Senior Policy Analyst, Mass Budget & Policy Center
• Jason Lewis, State Senator, 5th Middlesex, Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Education
• Alice Peisch, State Rep. 14th Norfolk, House Chair, Joint Committee on Education
• James Peyser, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Dr. Lorna Rivera, Director, Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development & Public Policy; Associate Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston; and Member, Boston Public Schools Committee                      

WHAT:
Conversation about education reform with local and state leaders       

WHEN:
Monday, June 24, 2019 6:30 p.m. ET

WHERE:
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
On the UMass Boston campus
Columbia Point
210 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA

The program will be live streamed here.
This event is OPEN PRESS. RSVP to press@emkinstitute.org.

About the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is a nonprofit civic education organization in Boston envisioned by the late Senator Ted Kennedy; it is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in government, encouraging civic participation, and invigorating civil discourse. Through a range of exhibits, interactive educational offerings, and topical programs, the Institute engages students and visitors in a conversation about the critical role each person plays in our democracy and in our society. Learn more via emkinstitute.org.

###