Chelsea School Committee adopts $150,891,360 budget after students press for sex-ed, violence-prevention and staffing changes

The Chelsea School Committee on March 24 approved a $150,891,360 general fund budget for fiscal year 2025–26 by a 7–0 roll call vote with two members absent.

The vote came after a string of public comments from students and community members who urged the committee to reallocate money toward comprehensive sexual-health education, violence-prevention classes and stronger teacher staffing. A public commenter speaking during the meeting urged the committee to "prioritize the well-being of our youth through education, understanding, and support," saying comprehensive sex education is "not simply about teaching students the biological aspects" but about "fostering a culture of consent, respect, and understanding of personal boundaries."

The committee's discussion focused on what the approved document commits the district to and where there is flexibility. Doctor Abeyta, the superintendent, said the board was approving the overall budget amount and that “in those larger line items is where there's flexibility.” She gave examples: the budget contains a security…