Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Public Schools are facing harsh realities regarding their upcoming fiscal limits.
At least 300 to 400 staff positions could be cut from the 2027 fiscal year budget. Superintendent Mary Skipper introduced the new $1.7 billion budget proposal, highlighting the cuts during a school committee meeting on Wednesday.
The committee plans to increase spending by 4.5 percent, which amounts to $74 million. But according to Skipper, it is still not enough to cover inflation. The superintendent cited rising costs for special education, labor, and healthcare for the cuts in the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1, but stated inclusive education and bilingual programming remain priority areas.
Read More: Boston Public Schools Committee Votes To Close Several Schools
Last year, the committee approved the closure of several public schools across the city to help the district save millions of dollars. Despite protests from educators and families, the school board voted 6-1 in favor of closing Lee Academy, Community Academy of Science, and Another Course to College. The three schools will cease operations in June 2027.
An additional grade level will be added to William E. Russell School, which currently serves Pre-K through fifth grade. The closures will impact thousands of students in the city.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.