Boston Public Schools proposes $53M budget increase for student success initiatives

The Boston City government meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on the Boston Public Schools (BPS) budget for fiscal year 2026, highlighting significant financial adjustments and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational quality.

The proposed budget reflects a $53.4 million increase over the previous fiscal year, which includes $22 million in new investments and $21 million in cost savings achieved through various operational efficiencies. Notably, the budget allocates 93% of its funding directly to student services, ensuring that the majority of resources are dedicated to enhancing school budgets.

Key discussions included the closure of four schools and the merger of two schools, expected to yield future savings of $10 to $20 million. These savings will be reinvested into educational programming, although they are not included in the current budget as the district plans to retain all affected staff for a smooth transition.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of long-term facilities planning, with recent accomplishments including the opening of three new or renovated school buildings since 2020 and the completion of upgrades to school playgrounds. The BPS aims to create high-quality learning environments that support inclusive education and expand bilingual and newcomer programs.

Additionally, the Hub School strategy was introduced, which seeks to transform 20 BPS schools into centers that address students' academic, social, and emotional needs. This initiative is designed to improve student outcomes and foster family engagement.

Overall, the meeting underscored BPS's commitment to providing a rigorous and culturally affirming educational experience for all students, while strategically managing resources to support these goals.