SHIRLEY — A delegation of state legislators recently announced an additional $350,000 in funding that was secured to go toward improvements to Ayer-Shirley Middle School and Ayer Shirley Regional High School, according to a statement by state Sen. John J. Cronin.
State Sen. Jamie Eldridge recently joined Ayer-Shirley Regional School District Superintendent Adam Renda, Principal Bryan Oelerich, along with state Sen. John Cronin and state Rep. Danillo Sena at Ayer-Shirley Regional Middle School to present the $350,000 in additional state funding from the Massachusetts Senate’s supplemental budget plan, which makes significant investments in statewide education and transportation.
“Our schools need the state to deliver critical resources,” said Sen. Cronin.
The delegation’s amendment sends $350,000 to Ayer-Shirley Regional School District to help cover cost overruns and maintain various programs.
“The quality of our school buildings has a direct impact on the education our students receive. Investing in school infrastructure means giving our teachers and students the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. I’m grateful to Superintendent Renda, Principal Oelerich, and the entire Ayer-Shirley school community for their dedication to our students,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough).
Ayer Shirley Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Adam Renda said the funding will be used to support improvements to the auditoriums at Ayer Shirley Regional High School and Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School.
“These spaces serve not only our students through performances, assemblies, and educational programming, but also the broader Ayer and Shirley communities. This funding will allow us to make meaningful improvements to facilities that would otherwise be difficult to address within our operating budget. The legislators have consistently been responsive to the needs of our district and our communities, and we sincerely appreciate their advocacy, partnership, and continued support of our students and families,” said Renda.
The supplemental budget legislation that delivered this earmark also featured a $32 million investment to provide immediate relief for strained municipal budgets by increasing special education reimbursement rates in the current fiscal year. That investment is part of a larger $232 million appropriation for special education costs and circuit breaker reimbursements.
“We’re deeply grateful to Senators Cronin and Eldridge and Representative Sena for securing funding for much-needed improvements to our auditorium,” said Principal Bryan Oelerich. “Our students and staff have brought our community together through productions like Newsies Jr., The SpongeBob Musical, and Frozen Jr., and this investment will support many more performances and shared experiences. Thank you for recognizing the value of the arts and helping give our students a space where they can create, collaborate, and grow in confidence.”
The bill also included $150 million toward supporting high-quality and accessible early education and care, as well as $40 million for early literacy initiatives.
“Our schools are in need of funding,” said State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton). “As the cost of schooling continues to rise, it is crucial that state support rises with it. I thank Senator Cronin and Senator Eldridge for their leadership on securing these earmarks and I am glad to see Ayer-Shirley Regional Middle and High School get direct support.”
The funding for Ayer-Shirley Regional Middle School was secured as a part of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state supplemental budget negotiations. The investment from the delegation provides $350,000 in state funding to the school district.
-Office of State Sen. John J. Cronin.
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