Boston School Committee Scrutinizes FY25 Budget, ESSER Transition, and Inclusion Plan

BOSTON -- February 15, 2024, Boston School Committee opens FY25 budget hearings, raising equity concerns over a $1.5 billion spending plan. Superintendent Mary Skipper presented a total proposed budget of $1,526,629,446, including a $20 million inclusive education investment funded by the city, as the district prepares to close a net 52 classrooms and move 208 full-time equivalent positions off expiring federal ESSER funds onto the general fund. Education advocate John Mudd told the committee the general fund framing obscures an all-funds decrease of nearly $84 million and a loss of 339 positions, including 130 from schools. Budget Director Serena Laroque confirmed hold harmless funding amounts to roughly $30 million, prompting Chair Jeri Robinson to ask when the district will end those supplemental payments and redirect them to direct student services. Member Alexandra Polanco-Garcia demanded documentation on whether $1,386,588 in unspent Title I funds from FY23 was specifically tracked to English language learner programs, and Superintendent Skipper committed to providing that report.