Lowell school leaders say $4 million city cut forces staff, program reductions in FY26 budget

Superintendent Skinner told the Lowell School Committee on May 7 that the district’s proposed FY26 budget — built on a conservative expectation of $14 million in city cash — must be trimmed after the city indicated it will provide $10 million, a $4 million reduction that the administration said compelled cuts to central office and school positions.

"When the city decides to reduce its cash contribution to our schools, that is a choice," Skinner said, urging the committee and the community to press for restoration of funds. Assistant Superintendent for Finance Dr. Pinto told the committee the FY26 operating budget reflects a 6% year‑over‑year increase driven by step and longevity increases, higher special‑education tuition and transportation costs; the $4 million shortfall, he said, requires targeted reductions.

Committee members described the cuts as substantial and immediate. Miss Doherty said the district’s draft list represents roughly 53 positions and warned that reductions would affect tutors, student supports and programs designed to help post‑pandemic recovery. "I do not think we as a committee should just sit back and accept this number," she said, and moved that the committee request a written explanation from the city for the reduction and for details on how the city plans to meet maintenance‑of‑effort obligations; the motion passed by roll call.

Other members emphasized the district’s investments during the ESSER period and urged the administration to present tiered cut scenarios (for example, what would be lost under $4M, $2M or $1M reductions) to prioritize classroom preservation. Mr. Conway and Mr. Ross both urged preserving classroom positions where possible; Mr. Ross noted proposed cuts to early college supports, tutors and programs such as Latinx Scholars and K–8 athletics.

Skinner gave context for the district’s request: the city is expected to contribute toward a maintenance‑of‑effort total of about $68.9 million next year; last year’s net school spending was $64.9 million. The district said the city had roughly $21 million in free cash this year and $15 million last year, and called the proposed 10 million contribution the lowest proportion on record.

The committee indicated it will continue to press the city for more funding and to refine the district’s internal prioritization. Next procedural steps: the budget book with a summary of proposed cuts will be part of the public record ahead of the committee’s budget hearings; members asked the administration to return with scenarios that show the programmatic impact tied to dollar amounts.