Monday, September 24, 2018

Assistant Minority Leader Brad Hill Appointed to Special Commission on School Transportation

Representative Bradford Hill (R-Ipswich) has been appointed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) to serve on a special commission that will explore ways to increase efficiencies in student transportation.

Established as part of the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget, the 11-member commission will be responsible for developing recommendations for improving transportation services for students attending regional schools, out of district vocational and technical schools, and out of district agricultural schools, as well as students in special education out of district placements.

In announcing the appointment, Representative Jones cited Representative Hill’s ongoing advocacy in support of public education funding, particularly for regional school transportation.  Representative Hill’s efforts helped secure a $68.88 million appropriation in this year’s state budget to reimburse communities for student transportation expenses, which represents a 12% increase in funding over last year.

“Brad has been leading the fight to deliver additional relief to cities and towns to help them pay for their student transportation costs,” said Representative Jones.  “I am confident he will do a tremendous job helping the special commission to identify ways for school districts to improve transportation services and reduce costs.”

Representative Hill is one of four legislators serving on the commission, which will also include representatives from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, Inc.; the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Inc.; the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials, Inc.; the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; and the Massachusetts Association of Special Education Administrators.  The final two commission members will be appointed by Education Secretary James Peyser and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley.

The commission is required to hold a minimum of five public hearings, and is expected to file a report with its recommendations by December 1, 2019.

Representative Hill currently serves as the Assistant Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.  He represents the Fourth Essex District, which includes the towns of Hamilton; Ipswich; Manchester-by-the-Sea; Rowley; Topsfield; and Wenham.