BPS teachers advocate for funding access to counsel and ESL programs in Boston budget

Boston Public Schools teachers and community advocates rallied for critical funding during the Ways & Means FY26 Budget public testimony on May 28, 2025. The spotlight was on the urgent need to maintain and expand the Access to Counsel program, which provides legal representation for families facing eviction.

A passionate music teacher from UP Academy Holland highlighted the alarming reality of homelessness among students, noting that in every classroom, at least one or two students are affected. "Taking away this extra safeguard puts a lot of students at risk of homelessness," she warned, urging the council to include funding for the program in the upcoming budget. The Access to Counsel initiative, which began as a pilot in February, has already assisted around 90 families, providing them with essential legal support to remain in their homes.

James Cordero, another teacher from Boston Public Schools, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader implications of housing instability on student achievement and well-being. He pointed out that approximately 5,200 students in the district are experiencing homelessness, a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency of the situation. "These children are our future," he stated, calling on the council to ensure that the Access to Counsel program receives the necessary funding to protect vulnerable families.

In addition to housing issues, advocates for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs also made their voices heard. Farrah Halole, an enrollment specialist, urged the council to increase funding for ESL classes to meet the growing demand. She reported that last year, 802 individuals expressed interest in enrolling, but many were turned away due to limited capacity. "We can only offer as much, but we get a lot of people who are interested in our program," she explained, highlighting the critical role these classes play in helping immigrants integrate into the community.

The meeting concluded with a strong call to action for the city council to prioritize these essential programs in the FY26 budget. As Boston faces a housing crisis and an increasing need for language education, the testimonies underscored the importance of investing in the city's most vulnerable populations to ensure their stability and success.