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Boston School Committee Approves $1.7 Billion Budget With 300–400 Staff Cuts

The plan now awaits City Council and mayoral approval.

Overview

  • The School Committee voted 7–0 to adopt a $1.7 billion spending plan that increases overall funding yet reduces headcount by roughly 300 to 400 positions.
  • Cuts target more than 200 teaching jobs and about 100 classroom aide roles, and union leaders warn services for multilingual learners and students with IEPs would shrink.
  • District leaders cite a projected $53 million deficit driven by rising health insurance premiums, transportation expenses, and out‑of‑district special‑education costs.
  • Advocates, educators, and the Boston Teachers Union are urging city leaders to add about $48 million—roughly 1% of the city budget—to prevent layoffs.
  • Enrollment fell by about 1,645 students this year, and the committee also approved school closures and reconfigurations set to take effect on June 30, 2027.