Senator Has Lingering Concerns over Mt. Ida Campus Sale

Guest Speaker, State Senator Nick Collins

Looking back at the controversial sale of the Mount Ida College campus to UMass Amherst last year, State Sen. Nick Collins urged MANS&C at its Annual Meeting to reach out to financially struggling nonprofit colleges and speak out for the important role that they play.

The senator, who is considered a rising star on Beacon Hill, made his remarks at the May 29 event at the Hampshire House Hotel in Boston.

Mt. Ida may have had a chance to survive by partnering with another institution, Sen. Collins said. Instead, UMass made the struggling college an offer it couldn’t refuse in light of its debt obligations.

The sale of the campus gave rise to a lot of talk about other small colleges that are facing financial difficulties, the senator said, and speculation that UMass was already positioning itself to “gobble them up.” “I’m concerned about UMass’s power in that dynamic,” he said.

Sen. Collins, who represents South Boston, urged MANS&C and other organizations that represent nonprofit educational institutions to share best practices with one another and to “be loud in protecting your turf.”

“Many of the benefits we see in Massachusetts are from private institutions,” the Senator added. “Private institutions have educated some of the finest minds in the state and we want to see that continue for years to come.”

In response to a question about UMass’s plans for the Mt. Ida campus, Sen. Collins said he remains concerned that course offerings there may be in competition with UMass Boston, which is in his Senate district. He noted that some of the suggested uses for the Mt. Ida campus – including public health or labor relations programs – are already offered at UMass Boston.

Sen. Collins spent eight years in the House of Representatives before winning his senate seat in a special election last year. He was born, raised and currently lives in South Boston with his wife and young daughter. He is a graduate of Boston Latin and Babson College.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Defending Our Members’ Independence and Security

The guest speaker at the MANS&C Annual Meeting in May offered members and guests new and important insight into the closing last year of financially troubled Mt. Ida College and sale of its campus to UMass Amherst.

State Sen. Nick Collins urged MANS&C to defend the independence of nonprofit schools, colleges and universities, and encouraged our institutions to share best practices with one another.

In fact, defending nonprofit schools, colleges and universities in Massachusetts has been MANS&C’s purpose since our founding in 1952. Through the years MANS&C has consistently worked to turn back countless bills on Beacon Hill that threatened the economic security and historic independence of our member institutions.

In fact, defending nonprofit schools, colleges and universities in Massachusetts has been MANS&C’s purpose since our founding in 1952. Through the years MANS&C has consistently worked to turn back countless bills on Beacon Hill that threatened the economic security and historic independence of our member institutions.

We also impress upon our members the importance of creating a Community Impact Statement (CIS) and sharing it with neighbors, town officials and local organizations, as well as state legislators. These documents are the single best tool we have in detailing the valuable services our institutions provide to their communities.

MANS&C also offers our members tips on how to create a Community Impact Statement. Some fine examples are posted on our website, www.mansac.org, including an impressive new CIS from Thayer Academy.

A new legislative session opened in January on Beacon Hill, bringing with it scores of new bills, including measures that would open the door to PILOTs, tax our endowments and threaten the Dover Amendment. MANS&C is on duty at the State House once again, standing up for our members’ independence and safeguarding our economic security.

Best Regards,

Gwen Pojasek
gpojasek@chch.org
781-314-0836

State Seeks to Monitor Financial Health of Nonprofit Colleges and Universities

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has filed legislation authorizing the state Board of Higher Education to monitor colleges and universities that are in danger of closing due to financial challenges.

In addition to providing the state with financial information, the institutions would have to submit a contingency plan with provisions for advance notice to students and staff, and arrangements for students to complete their studies elsewhere should the college or university close.

Institutions that do not comply with the board’s information requests or requirements would face unspecified sanctions under the proposed legislation.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, the information

submitted by the colleges and universities would be exempt from the state’s public records law.

The bill is intended to lessen the risk of disruptive, sudden closures, such as what occurred last spring when Mt. Ida College announced it would cease operation. Since then, Wheelock College has merged with Boston University, Newbury College announced its closing and Hampshire College is searching for a merger partner due to financial strain and the dwindling number of college-age students.

The governor noted that Massachusetts nonprofit colleges provide “great educations” and play important roles as business drivers and major employers. Although its primary purpose is to protect students, Baker said, “Our legislation will strengthen this crucial component of our economy.”

An Overview
MANS&C on Beacon Hill

MANS&C members and guests got an insider’s look at the new Massachusetts legislative session recently from the organization’s veteran legislative counsel, John J. Spillane.

Speaking at a board-sponsored informational meeting at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, Spillane also outlined his work at the Statehouse, advocating for the interests of Massachusetts nonprofit schools, colleges and universities.

“Even the best-intentioned bills may have serious financial implications or erode the historic independence of our institutions,” Spillane said. “I represent the interests of MANS&C members and keep them informed

about issues of concern on Beacon Hill. Legislators also look to me as a resource to help them understand the effects these bills will have on our institutions – and on our communities.”

The articles in this newsletter will give you an idea of how the legislature works, the trends in bills that Spillane sees and what he does at the Statehouse to represent the interests of MANS&C members.

You’ll also find information about new regulations approved recently by the state Board of Higher Education regarding financial oversight of nonprofit colleges and universities.

What MANS&C Does on Beacon Hill

For many years, MANS&C Legislative Counsel John J. Spillane has had unparalleled success in stopping bills that would negatively affect Massachusetts nonprofit schools, colleges and universities.

He is either at the Statehouse or in close contact with legislators on a daily basis, and even spends time with them in their district visits.

Spillane tracks and follows all bills and last-minute amendments that affect MANS&C members. He monitors and attends committee hearings, prepares opposition testimony on bills of concern, confers with legislators and observes legislative sessions from the gallery.

He also keeps track of bills that apply only to public schools, because they can easily be changed to include nonprofit institutions.

Spillane works closely with AICUM and other trade organizations to develop a strategic approach to stopping bills of concern.

How the Legislature Works

In the 191st session of the legislature, which began on January 2, 2019 the 180-member House includes 127 Democrats and 32 Republicans; the Senate has 40 members, including 34 Democrats and 6 Republicans. The two-year session will conclude on December 31, 2020.Spillane expects 5,000 to 5,500 bills will be filed. Generally, speaking, legislators file bills:

> In response to a problem in a district
> Based on legislation in other states,
policy issues, studies or white papers

Once filed, the bills are assigned to committees. After studying the issues and implications of the bills, as well as getting input at public hearings, committees either report out the bills as “ought to pass” or “ought not to pass,” or they may be put to study or discharged to other committees.

Both the House and Senate must pass a bill and agree on the final language before it is sent to the Governor for signing. If the Governor vetoes a bill, the veto can be overridden by two-thirds

votes in the House and Senate.

Each legislative session runs for two years and includes formal and informal sessions. Formal sessions run from January through the end of July and deal with bills that have been vetted by committees. The informal sessions run from August through December 31. Bills may still be voted on in the informal session but require unanimous approval to pass.

Discussions on the state budget begin in the spring, with March and April being the busiest time. This year’s budget will cover Fiscal Year 2020. Both the House and Senate create and vote on budgets, which then go to a Conference Committee to iron out the differences between the two versions.

John closely monitors the lengthy and complex budget process every year because of the financial implications the state budget may have for nonprofit education, and also because failed bills may be tacked onto the budget as last-minute amendments.

Trends in Bills Affecting MANS&C Members

Even if they are turned aside in one session, bills often return in the following years, filed by determined legislators who are unwilling to give up on them. MANS&C Legislative Counsel John J. Spillane has noted the following historic trends in bills that would affect independent schools and colleges:

Zoning, often involving changes to the Dover Amendment. These bills are a major concern for MANS&C, and John will be watching for any measures that cede authority to local communities.

Taxation of Nonprofit Schools, Colleges and Universities, including efforts to tax property, operating income and endowments, or defining what institutions should be taxed based on officer salaries. Bills also may seek to establish percentages on what is deemed taxable, including taxation of short-term rentals of school facilities.

990s, including bills that seek greater transparency on what is disclosed on them.

PILOT Programs, empowering local communities to require nonprofit institutions to make payments in lieu of taxes. Other bills may give communities the right of first refusal when our institutions sell property in certain situations.

Safety in Schools, including numerous bills affecting school buses, such as seat belts, embarking and disembarking, motor vehicle conduct regarding school buses, and bus driver conduct and certification.

Student Health, involving concussion prevention, head injuries, allergy response, vision and dental screening, and the prevention of tobacco use.

Prevention of Violence in Schools, defining when violence occurs and the action and response, security measures, student data privacy, sexual assault prevention and CORI issues.

ADA Compliance, usually directed at the Architectural Access Board, which is charged with making facilities accessible to people with disabilities.

New Senate President Announces Priorities

Adequately funding public education is at the top of list of new Senate President Karen E. Spilka’s legislative priorities. Speaking at the start of the new legislative session, the Ashland Democrat noted that the Senate had successfully advocated for a record investment in education funding this past year.

“But,” Spilka added, “we must do more.”

She also listed a number of other priorities for the Senate, including:

> Slowing the rise of prescription drug prices and increasing transparency for the consumer

> Working with businesses and scientists on clean energy technologies

> Re-envisioning the commuter rail system as a Rapid Regional Rail system

> Creating neighborhoods where people can afford to live, work and raise a family

Reforming the juvenile and criminal justice system

> Creating an economic development and tax framework where innovative technology-driven businesses can develop and thrive

> Ending the stigma surrounding mental illness

MEMBER NEWS
Fay School is Committed to Community Service

Fay School Uper School 7th graders

on a service trip

At Fay School in Southborough, students in all three divisions are involved in community service.

Second graders spend a morning volunteering at Cradles to Crayons, grades 4 to 6 work closely with the Community Harvest Project and the Upper School (grades 7 to 9) goes on service trips—to name just a few of their projects.

Last fall, Lower and Upper School students coordinated a fundraiser and school supply drive to benefit disaster relief efforts through the American Red Cross and a school in Texas. Ninth graders built a playhouse for the children of a local veteran, and a large number of students also volunteered at Fay School’s farmers market.

Winter brings the "Candy Cane Gram" fundraiser, in which students buy candy canes to send to their friends for the holidays. The money raised is used to provide lunch for the teams competing in the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament, which Fay hosts in early March. Students, parents and faculty also volunteer at the event.

This spring, students in the Antler Club (the student service and philanthropy group) will be putting together a team for the New England Center for Children’s Annual 5k fundraiser in support of children with autism. Students also will conduct a hygiene product collection drive for a local organization that works with teenagers and will once again volunteer for the farmers market.

OTHER NEWS

MANS&C Elects Officers and Board Members

MANS&C members elected the following officers and members for the 2019-20 year at the organization’s Annual Meeting May 29 at the Hampshire House, Boston.

Officers

President – Gwen E. Pojasek, CFO at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School
Vice President – Jeanne Finlayson, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer at Stonehill College
Treasurer – Dean Sidell, Acting Head of School and CFO at Tower School
Clerk – James Curley, Director of State Relations at Boston University

Board Members

Kathleen Chery, CFO at The Cambridge School of Weston
Julaine McInnis, CFO/COO at Thayer Academy
Jane Segale, CFO and COO at Walnut Hill School for the Arts
Jonathan Wasserman, Director of Finance and Operations and Assistant Treasurer at the Rivers School

Spillane Stops Move to Regulate Building Projects

An attempt to increase local control over nonprofit school and college building projects has been stopped, thanks to the efforts of MANS&C Legislative Counsel John J. Spillane.

The wording, inserted into a House budget amendment, would have imposed a site plan review when Massachusetts nonprofit schools and colleges wanted to build recreational facilities. Currently, site plan reviews are not required for any building projects by nonprofit institutions. Communities may require only “reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.”

Spillane has been keeping a watchful eye on the House budget process and alerted legislative leaders to the negative consequences site plan reviews would have on MANS&C members. As a result, the wording was removed from the amendment.

Call MANS&C

What did three schools do recently when their local community asked them to make payments in lieu of taxes?

They called an ally -- MANS&C!

The MANS&C Board and Legislative Counsel John J. Spillane are always ready to provide advice and counsel to members grappling with community issues. We can tell you what other schools and colleges have done and help you set up a plan of action.

You can reach us at president@mansac.org.

Send Us Your News

MANS&C is starting a Member News column for our website and newsletter that will highlight the ways our members benefit their communities. Do your students volunteer or hold a fundraiser for a local charity? Has your school or college donated equipment to a town department? Do you offer your facilities to the community at a free or reduced rate? Let us know!

Or, if your institution has other news (no sports, please) that you’d like to share with your fellow MANS&C members, we’d like to hear that, too.

Please submit your news to communications@mansac.org and visit our website regularly to catch up on member news.

About MANS&C
The Massachusetts Association of Nonprofit Schools and Colleges (MANS&C) is the voice of private, independent schools, colleges and universities at the State House. MANS&C represents members’ interests and advocates on their behalf with lawmakers and state regulators. It also informs members about bills that threaten their independence and economic security, and helps them create Community Impact Statements that showcase their many contributions to their local communities.