Boston Public Schools highlights operational improvements and budget reinvestments for student support

The Boston School Committee convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, focusing on operational efficiencies and strategic investments across various departments within Boston Public Schools (BPS). The meeting highlighted several key areas of development, including facilities management, transportation, food services, human resources, and student support.

The session began with an overview of the Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) dashboard, which enables BPS to make informed decisions regarding repairs and renovations in school buildings. The transportation department introduced the Zoom app, designed to provide real-time data for tracking student transportation, enhancing safety and efficiency. Additionally, the food services team emphasized their commitment to providing fresh meals in school cafeterias.

Human resources were noted for their role in supporting staff throughout their careers, from recruitment to retirement, while safety services continue to implement plans ensuring a secure educational environment. The newly formed division of data, information, and systems improvement aims to enhance data-driven decision-making across the district.

The budget discussion revealed significant operational savings, including $1 million from transportation due to 1,000 students opting out of bus services. This savings will be redirected to support educational programs. The committee also discussed a long-term facilities plan that aims to optimize resources and reinvest savings back into school communities.

Key investments highlighted included a restructuring of the human resources department to improve recruitment and retention, as well as targeted programmatic investments in student support services, such as mentorship and telebehavioral health programs.

As the meeting progressed, committee members raised concerns about family engagement and accessibility to services. Ms. Lima Barbosa emphasized the need for innovative approaches to engage families, particularly in underserved communities. The discussion also touched on the importance of creating welcoming environments in district facilities to better serve families.

The committee addressed the rising costs in the central office budget, particularly in health insurance and special education services. Superintendent Mary Skipper noted ongoing efforts to manage these costs while ensuring quality services for students.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the upcoming budget timeline, including a final hearing on March 20 and a vote on March 26. The committee expressed a commitment to transparency and accountability in budget allocations, with a focus on ensuring that investments directly benefit students and schools.

Overall, the meeting underscored BPS's dedication to operational efficiency and strategic investment in educational services, while also addressing the challenges of rising costs and the need for enhanced family engagement.