Everett council committee approves FY25 school budget amid concerns over overcrowding and loss of federal funds

The Everett City Council Budget Committee voted to accept the Everett Public Schools fiscal year 2025 operating budget after a presentation by Superintendent William Hart and school committee chair Cristiano.

Hart told the committee on May 21 that the district’s FY25 proposal is built around a commitment to "make an investment in teaching, learning, and student success" and reflected an "inclusive" process of outreach to parents, principals and staff. He said the budget incorporates a state-required Student Opportunity Act allocation of $1,900,000 "that must be spent on evidence based practices" and that the district must absorb federal ESSER-funded positions that expire Sept. 30.

The budget presentation laid out major funding lines and constraints. Budget director Chris Weiser told councilors the district expects roughly $118 million in Chapter 70 state aid and cited a required local spending figure of $43,738,229; he reported a net school spending figure of $128,858,279 and put the FY25 total expense including transportation at about $135,000,000.

Weiser also quantified payroll implications from the end of federal ESSER funding: "So directly for the payroll piece, the 37 positions, it's about $3,000,000. It's 2.9 rounded to 3,000,000," he said.

Councilors used the presentation to press staff on recruiting, program continuity and operational costs. Councilor De Pero asked about vacancy and recruitment strategies; Hart said the district will hire a dedicated recruiter to fill specialized roles and emphasized that "we are not" laying off staff despite fiscal pressure. Several members raised questions about curriculum supply purchases made in advance of FY25, reductions in a proposed overnight cleaning contract, and built-in buffers for rising electricity and heating costs.

A central concern among councilors was building capacity. Multiple members described classroom overcrowding at neighborhood schools and asked what the district will do if enrollment continues to grow. Hart acknowledged the issue, saying some schools are "at max capacity," that residency checks will be stepped up for grades 6 and 9, and that he will present a comprehensive proposal in June to address space: "I'll give you something with much more detail in June," he told the committee.

Hart described student-facing supports added in the budget, including instructional coaches and a director-level position for special education inclusion required under SOA spending priorities. He also told the committee that the FY25 plan assumes absorption of 37 positions formerly funded by ESSER and that, where possible, grant funds and advance purchases helped reduce immediate line-item needs.

Council members also secured two operational commitments: translation and interpretation services for school committee meetings will be funded in FY25, and the superintendent and chair committed to returning with a space plan for consideration. After discussion, the committee voted to accept the school department budget "as presented." The committee then excused the superintendent and chair and adjourned.

Next steps include the superintendent's June presentation on space options and the usual municipal budget process for moving the school budget forward to the full council and appropriation stages.