Lawrence City Council June 15, 2026

The Lawrence City Council held a hybrid meeting on June 15, 2026, primarily focused on the proposed fiscal year 2027 municipal budget, with significant public participation addressing concerns about school transportation funding. Numerous speakers, including parents, students, and school committee members, expressed strong opposition to the proposed elimination or reduction of school bus transportation for high school students, citing safety, equity, and access to education as critical issues. The council discussed the budget allocations, highlighting a $1.7 million shortfall in transportation funding and concerns about the sole vendor, North Reading Transportation (NRT), holding a monopoly on the contract. The council voted on the budget but failed to approve it, leading to plans for a special meeting to reconsider the budget. The discussion emphasized the need for transparency, competitive bidding for transportation contracts, and prioritizing student safety and access in budget decisions.