Ways & Means FY27 Budget: BPS Academics and Outreach on April 17, 2026

The Boston City Council's Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on April 17, 2026, to review the FY27 budget for Boston Public Schools (BPS), focusing on academics, inclusion, multilingual learners, special education, curriculum, partnerships, summer programming, family and community outreach, and school mergers and closures. The meeting included detailed discussions on budget allocations, staffing changes, and program funding, with particular attention to the impact of budget cuts on vulnerable student populations such as multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Council members questioned BPS officials about reductions in special education personnel, the expansion of bilingual programs, the procurement and alignment of curriculum with evidence-based practices, and the effects of school closures and mergers on resources and student services. Public testimony from students, parents, and educators highlighted concerns about inclusion, support services, and the need for sustained investment. The panel also addressed capital improvement projects, including school facility upgrades and long-term facilities planning. The hearing concluded with commitments to provide further data and continued engagement with the council on budget and program implementation.