Mayor Wu supports Boston Public Schools with $4.8 billion budget and new teacher contract

The Boston City Council convened on April 14, 2025, for a Ways & Means hearing focused on the Boston Public Schools (BPS) FY26 budget. The meeting addressed critical topics including inclusive education, multilingual learners, special education services, curriculum, and post-secondary outcomes.

The session began with an overview of the significant investments made by the city in BPS over the past three years, totaling $262 million. This funding has been crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the absence of pandemic relief funding for the first time this year. Despite these challenges, BPS has managed to maintain stability, with a slight increase in student enrollment for the first time in a decade, particularly among multilingual learners and students with disabilities.

The BPS leadership emphasized the need to reassess resource allocation to better meet the evolving needs of students. A zero-sum budget approach was adopted, prioritizing funds for schools and eliminating ineffective expenditures. The proposed budget reflects a typical growth rate of 3.5%, with 93% of funding directed towards student services, including school budgets.

Key initiatives highlighted in the budget include the implementation of inclusive education practices, the expansion of equitable literacy programs, and enhanced access to dual language and bilingual education. Additionally, there are plans to strengthen the secondary school ecosystem through new early college and career pathways.

Mayor Michelle Wu's proposed city budget of $4.8 billion was also discussed, with BPS officials expressing confidence in the city's leadership and commitment to supporting students. The meeting underscored the alignment of goals between city officials and educators, emphasizing a shared dedication to student welfare.

A significant update was provided regarding the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), which recently ratified a collective bargaining agreement for 2024-2027. This contract includes substantial wage increases for paraprofessionals and ABA specialists, aimed at improving staff retention and filling vacancies. The agreement also includes provisions to enhance support for students with disabilities and streamline operations for families.

The Boston School Committee is set to vote on the collective bargaining agreement on April 16, which includes supplemental appropriations of approximately $62 million. This contract will subsequently be presented to the city council next month, with further details expected in future hearings.

Overall, the meeting highlighted BPS's commitment to adapting its budget and resources to better serve its diverse student population while navigating the current economic landscape.