Boston Public Schools agree on contract to improve staffing and support services

The Boston School Committee convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the district, including a new contract agreement and concerns regarding school admissions and services for students with disabilities.

The meeting began with a presentation highlighting a newly reached contract agreement, described as the earliest in 25 years. The agreement aims to stabilize staffing levels in Boston Public Schools (BPS) and reduce vacancies. Key features include significant wage increases for paraprofessionals and ABA specialists, which are expected to enhance support for students with disabilities. The contract also addresses issues such as teachers' job security, clarity on work hours and pay, and expanded tuition reimbursement. The Boston Teachers Union emphasized the importance of this agreement in improving staff well-being and creating a more sustainable work environment.

Following this, public comments were made regarding the exam school admission process. Deirdre Manning, a Dorchester resident and parent, expressed frustration over delays in releasing the list of Title I schools eligible for bonus points in the admissions process. She criticized BPS for not making this information available in a timely manner, which she argued negatively impacts families trying to navigate school options for their children.

Jessica Butler, a parent of a child with disabilities, shared her concerns about the lack of timely services provided by BPS. She recounted her struggles to secure necessary support for her son, highlighting issues with delayed evaluations and inadequate follow-through on service agreements. Butler called for accountability from BPS, emphasizing the critical nature of timely support for children with special needs.

The meeting also featured comments from community members regarding broader issues of equity and transparency within BPS. Mike Heichman criticized the district's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), claiming that recent administrative changes have led to a decline in the recruitment and retention of educators of color. He expressed concern over the impact of budget decisions on predominantly Black and Brown student populations.

Cheryl Buckman, representing the Deborah community, voiced her distress over the planned permanent closure of the Deborah School in June 2026, a decision that has affected generations of families.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue and action on the issues raised, particularly regarding the implementation of the new contract and the urgent need for improvements in the admissions process and support for students with disabilities. The committee's next steps will involve addressing these concerns and ensuring that the provisions of the new agreement are enacted effectively.