Ways & Means FY27 Budget: BPS Operations, Revolving Funds on April 16, 2026 at 2:00pm

The Boston City Council's Ways & Means Committee held a hearing on April 16, 2026, to review the FY27 budget for Boston Public Schools (BPS), focusing on operations, revolving funds, and transportation. Key procurement-related discussions included budget allocations for staffing, transportation contracts, and facilities maintenance. Councilors questioned BPS officials about personnel reductions, including cuts to social workers, bus monitors, and safety officers, emphasizing concerns about impacts on student support and safety. The committee also discussed transportation costs, contract performance penalties, and the breakdown of the $197 million transportation budget, including specialized transportation for students with disabilities and charter/private school students. The hearing addressed the use of revolving funds for facilities repairs, particularly HVAC upgrades, and the challenges of balancing transportation expenses with long-term facilities improvements. Public testimony highlighted concerns about health insurance budgeting within BPS and the impact of budget cuts on student services. No specific contract awards or new RFPs were announced, but the discussion underscored ongoing procurement and budget management challenges within BPS operations.