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Chelsea council adopts resolution urging $10M state supplemental to protect summer youth jobs; residents press for more school funding
Summary
After extended public comment praising restoration of school positions, the Chelsea City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26R07 urging the state to pass a $10 million FY26 supplemental to protect 2026 summer youth jobs; speakers also urged the council to use supplemental school funds for comprehensive sexual education and to pursue sustained school funding beyond a one-time $2 million allocation.
The Chelsea City Council on March 23 adopted Resolution 26R07 urging the Massachusetts Legislature and governor to pass a $10 million FY26 supplemental budget by May 1 to protect summer 2026 youth jobs and to include an additional $10 million in the FY27 budget to prevent further cuts.
The action came after more than an hour of public comment in which classroom teachers, parents and young people thanked the council for recent restorations to Chelsea Public Schools and urged broader, sustained investment. "When we invest in our schools, we are investing in our future," said Katherine Anderson, president of the Chelsea Teachers Union, praising council action that restored 22.5 jobs and returned librarians and other positions districtwide.
Several speakers framed their remarks around the same two developments: gratitude for the immediate restorations and skepticism that a one-time or temporary funding boost will be enough. "The $2 million you gave to the city is a start, but it is not enough," Jayvee Hunter told the council, urging higher recurring contributions and closer oversight of district spending.
Public commenters also urged specific allocations within the supplemental funding. Multiple speakers including Litzy Flores and Kimberly Juarez asked the council to consider directing a portion of school supplemental funds toward comprehensive sexual health education, citing local health metrics and gaps in curriculum and trained educators. "Chelsea has an opportunity to invest in trained educators, updated curriculum, and resources that empower students to make informed decisions," Flores said.
Council discussion before the roll call focused on the importance of summer employment for youth and on clarifying the total local contribution to education this fiscal cycle. Councilor Robinson corrected the public record during debate, noting that the council's cumulative contribution to education this cycle reaches $10 million when including other actions. The council then approved the resolution by roll call: eight in favor, zero opposed, three absent.
The resolution directs the council's support to the legislature and governor; it does not appropriate local funds beyond the actions already made. Councilors said they intend continued oversight of school spending and to pursue additional, sustainable revenue sources so that restored positions remain in future years.
What happens next: The resolution is a formal request addressed to state policymakers, and its impact depends on the Legislature and governor meeting the May 1 supplemental timeline. Locally, councilors said they will continue to press for fiscal transparency at the school-district level and to monitor implementation of the restored positions.
Sources: Public comment at the March 23 Chelsea City Council meeting and the council's roll-call adoption of Resolution 26R07.
