Boston Public Schools presents $1.58 billion FY26 plan as teachers ratify contract; City budget and federal relief still in flux

Boston Public Schools presented its $1.58 billion fiscal year 2026 spending plan to the Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means on April 14, with system leaders emphasizing investments aimed at students with disabilities, multilingual learners and expanded secondary pathways.

The plan, which Superintendent (unnamed in the transcript) described as a “$1,580,000,000 spending plan,” was introduced as part of the council’s multi‑week budget review. The presentation came after the Boston Teachers Union voted to ratify a 2024–2027 contract; the district said the agreement includes wage increases that will “make a big difference” for paraprofessionals and ABA specialists.

Why it matters: The budget sets spending priorities that the school system and City Hall will reconcile as the council’s budget hearings continue. The contract and federal relief timing affect staffing, program continuity and whether the district can sustain recent investments made during the pandemic relief era.

Most important facts - Superintendent…