Cambridge interim superintendent proposes 4.5% increase for FY26 operating budget amid rising contract and transportation costs

Interim Superintendent Dave Murphy and Chief Financial Officer Ivy Washington presented the Cambridge Public Schools’ proposed FY26 operating budget at a Feb. 24 joint roundtable of the Cambridge City Council and the School Committee, asking the two governing bodies to consider a $12 million increase — about 4.5% — that brings the district’s operating total to roughly $280.25 million.

The administration said the requested increase is driven primarily by salary and benefit obligations, including recently settled collective bargaining agreements and cost-of-living adjustments. Washington told the committee that 83%–84% of the district’s general fund normally goes to salaries and benefits and that roughly $9 million–$10 million of the requested $12 million would cover personnel costs, with…