What is the difference between School Choice funding and Metco funding?
Metco is funded via state appropriation as a grant. The grant is based upon prior year enrollment. In FY08, the amount awarded to Metco school districts will be around $5,828 per pupil. This amount is comprised of an instructional allotment of $4,000 per pupil and an average transportation allotment of $1,828 per pupil.Under the Massachusetts School Choice Program, the residential district of the student or the regional school district pays for the tuition for the student. Tuition is based on the prior year’s costs. Regular Day, Bilingual, and Occupational Education are 75% of the actual per pupil cost and are capped at $5,000. There is no limit set for Special Education; costs depend on the services called for in the student’s IEP. Transportation may be provided for School Choice students at the option of the receiving districts; the state does not provide any assistance for this cost.
