City Council - Ways & Means Committee Hearing on Docket #1669

Governing Body: Boston City Council - Ways & Means Committee Meeting Type: Committee Hearing Meeting Date: November 17, 2025 Attendees:

• Councilors: Brian Worrell (Chair), Edward Flynn, Liz Breadon, Enrique Pepén, Erin Murphy, Henry Santana, Benjamin Weber, Julia Mejia, John Fitzgerald, Gabriela Coletta Zapata
• Boston Public Schools (BPS) Representatives: Dr. Colin Rose (Senior Advisor, Strategy), David Bloom (Chief Financial Officer)
• Public Testifiers: Ayanna Fitzgerald, David Jean Baptiste, Nathalie Maté, Josie Clairvaux, Dora Sandoval, Kate Phelps, Jessica Oyer, Mariani Romero, Cynthia Soto, Carolina Soto, Nicole Perez, Alan Iyer, Kaliga, Priscilla Flint, Beth Abelow, Rodney Singleton

Executive Summary

The Boston City Council Ways & Means Committee convened a hearing on Docket #1669 to discuss the Boston Public Schools FY27 budget. Key discussions revolved around BPS's strategic focus areas: equitable literacy, holistic student supports, and quality programming/facilities. BPS representatives highlighted significant financial headwinds, including declining enrollment, rising health insurance costs, and uncertainty regarding federal funding, particularly a potential $8 million loss from Title II, III, and IV grants. Councilors raised concerns about literacy proficiency, the long-term facilities plan, the impact of potential federal cuts on critical programs like those for multilingual learners, and the need for sustained investment in parent mentor programs and school safety. Public testimony largely focused on the critical need for more bilingual education and parent mentor programs, as well as strong opposition to the White Stadium renovation project, with many advocating for funds to be redirected to BPS facilities and programs.

Agenda Item: Docket #1669 - Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools FY27 budget

Sponsors: Councilors Brian Worrell, Julia Mejia, Henry Santana Referred to Committee: September 17, 2025

Opening Statements

• Councilor Brian Worrell (Chair):
  • Opened the hearing at 10:09 a.m.
  • Emphasized the importance of early budget discussions to influence BPS investments.
  • Advocated for increased investment in programming outside traditional school hours to boost academics, support mental health, and assist families.
  • Acknowledged challenges such as declining enrollment and potential federal funding cuts, stressing the need to protect multilingual learning supports, inclusive education, and DEI initiatives.
• Councilor Edward Flynn:
  • Expressed respect for advocates, particularly St. Stephen's Youth Group, for their work in training individuals for the school system.
  • Prioritized supporting students with disabilities, providing critical mental health counseling, and ensuring transportation.
  • Highlighted the importance of supporting parents/guardians with services like food access to ensure family well-being.
• Councilor Liz Breadon:
  • Expressed eagerness to discuss how BPS is managing resources, especially in a "do more with less" environment.
• Councilor Enrique Pepén:
  • Thanked BPS for participating in the hearing, emphasizing the importance of aligning priorities for student resources and funding.
  • Appreciated the early timing of the hearing to consider investments for districts and schools.
• Councilor Erin Murphy:
  • Stated her consistent vote against the BPS budget for four years, not due to a lack of belief in students and educators, but due to concerns about school performance and equity.
  • Highlighted the need for political will to address systemic issues, citing St. Stephen's parent programming and inclusion as examples.
  • Stressed the importance of ensuring every student receives a quality education, questioning how the $1.7 billion budget is utilized.
  • Councilor Murphy departed the meeting early due to a family issue.

BPS Presentation on FY27 Budget and Strategy

• Dr. Colin Rose (Senior Advisor, Strategy, BPS):
  • Framed strategy and budget as integrated, outlining three strategic focus areas:
    1. Equitable Literacy: Increasing literacy proficiency across all grade levels, subjects, and student groups, including asset-based approaches for multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
    2. Holistic Student Supports: Ensuring students are ready for school and engaged in grade-level work by increasing access to and effectiveness of holistic supports (e.g., mental health).
    3. Quality Programming and Facilities: Growing access to high-quality student experiences through better programming and facilities (e.g., Long-Term Facilities Plan, Hub Schools Model).
  • Coined the implementation as "It Takes a Village," emphasizing collaboration with the full BPS community.
  • Stated that budget conversations are now aligned with these strategic areas to ensure transparent investment in BPS values.
  • Cross-functional teams are developing implementation goals, action steps, and metrics for continuous improvement.
• David Bloom (Chief Financial Officer, BPS):
  • Provided an update on FY26 budget objectives and a first look at FY27.
  • Inclusive Education: Second year of rollout for students with disabilities, moving to grades 1, 2, 8, and 10 in FY26.
    • Implemented a new service mapping process to align educator time with student needs (IEPs, ESL minutes), maximizing access to grade-level learning.
    • FY27 rollout will continue for grades 3, 4, and 11.
  • Bilingual Programming: Rapid expansion continued in FY26.
    • New Spanish-English programs opened at Blackstone and Sarah Roberts schools.
    • Planning for Cabo Verdean dual language program at Frederick for next school year.
    • Hired dedicated bilingual instructional coaches.
  • Other Initiatives:
    • Expanded in-school swim programs to seven schools (Charlestown High, Madison Park, Humana Academy, Mason Elementary, Mildred Ave K-8, Murphy K-8, Quincy Elementary).
    • Updated library collections/furniture at Bada, Boston Collaborative, Carter School, Chittick, Mel King, Roosevelt, and Sarah Roberts.
  • Financial Headwinds for FY27:
    • Declining Enrollment: Significant and long-standing trend due to lower birth rates and decreased immigration.
    • Rising Health Insurance Costs: Increasing faster than inflation, impacting the budget heavily reliant on salaries and benefits.
    • Higher Prices: Inflation impacting costs for curriculum, facilities maintenance, etc.
    • Federal Budget Uncertainty:
      • President's budget framework did not include funding for Title II (teacher professional development), Title III (multilingual learners), and Title IV (student supports), posing a potential $8 million liability for the district.
      • Removal of one-time grants (e.g., student counseling, electric vehicles) impacting BPS and partners.
  • Budget Process Reminder:
    • Budgets released to schools/communities in December.
    • School Committee meeting in December for overview of budget framework.
    • Proposed budget presented to School Committee on first Wednesday in February.
    • School Committee vote on fourth Wednesday in March.
    • Multiple meetings with Council for feedback before formal city budget process in spring.

Councilor Questions - First Round

• Councilor Liz Breadon:
  • Enrollment Projections: Asked for reconciled numbers for all school-age students in Boston (BPS and private/parochial) to understand federal funding for special needs students.
  • Service Mapping: Inquired about the capacity of different schools across the city to offer services under the new service mapping process.
    • Response (Bloom): Service mapping ensures compliance by aligning resources to individual IEPs/ESL minutes, moving beyond fixed ratios. It helps plan educator time more effectively.
  • Literacy Proficiency: Expressed concern about students leaving high school without functional literacy, asking for solutions.
    • Response (Rose): BPS's first strategic focus is literacy, aiming for a coherent understanding of literacy across the district and community. Emphasized that literacy in native language is an asset.
• Councilor Enrique Pepén:
  • Federal Budget Cuts Impact: Asked if BPS has been impacted by federal cuts, how BPS is preparing, and if partner organizations are affected.
    • Response (Bloom): Yes, significant issue. A multi-million dollar federal grant for bilingual educator training was canceled. Slowdown on electric vehicle rollout. Some partners lost grants (e.g., National Board of Certified Teachers, UMass college/career counseling).
    • Response (Bloom): If federal funding for multilingual learners is cut, BPS will find ways to continue those priority initiatives. Contingency plans are being developed with City Finance and the state.
  • Millionaire's Tax: Inquired if Boston receives support from the state's millionaire's tax for BPS.
    • Response (Bloom): Biggest impact has been state earmarks for capital projects and community organizations (e.g., St. Stephen's). State is hesitant to make permanent allocations but earmarks provide temporary resources.
• Councilor Henry Santana:
  • Program Sustainability: Advocated for continued investment in programs like St. Stephen's, especially during financial uncertainty.
  • Student Retention: Asked for numbers on student retention year-over-year.
    • Response (Bloom): BPS lost the fewest kids ever this past year. Enrollment decline is due to smaller birth cohorts and decreased new student arrivals, not kids leaving BPS.
  • Mental Health Resources: Inquired about potential cuts or investments in mental health resources.
    • Response (Bloom): No significant reductions anticipated in mental health supports.
  • Strategic Focus Areas: Requested a recap of the three strategic focus areas.
    • Response (Rose):
      1. Equitable Literacy (asset-based approaches for multilingual learners/students with disabilities).
      2. Holistic Student Supports (ensuring readiness for grade-level work).
      3. Quality Programming and Facilities (high-quality student experience, long-term facilities planning).
  • Facilities Plan: Asked for an update on the facilities plan, particularly for the next few years.
    • Response (Rose): City is committed to capital upgrades with a robust pipeline of projects (e.g., Ruth Batson, Shaw-Taylor, Madison Park).
• Councilor Benjamin Weber:
  • Federal Funding (Title II, III, IV): Confirmed the $8 million at risk from these grants and asked about contingency plans.
    • Response (Bloom): Contingency plan involves:
      1. Taking lower-impact reductions.
      2. Leveraging unspent funds from previous years (two-year grants).
      3. Looking for additional reductions across the $1.7 billion general budget if cuts happen late in the year.
  • Title II, III, IV Funding Breakdown: Asked about what these funds support and the number of positions funded.
    • Response (Bloom): Title II supports teacher professional development. Title III funds the Office of Multilingual Multicultural Education (e.g., multilingual instructional coaches, curriculum, summer programs). Title IV supports after-school programs, vacation academies, and enrichment. A few dozen positions are funded across these grants.
  • Title I Block Grants: Inquired about the impact of shifting Title I to block grants.
    • Response (Bloom): Less concerned about state flexibility, more concerned about formula adjustments that could reduce Massachusetts' share of funding.
  • White Stadium: Asked about the amount spent on destroying the stadium and preparing the site.
    • Response (Bloom): Stated this is a capital expense and does not run through his budget.
• Councilor Julia Mejia:
  • Parent Mentoring Leadership Initiative: Asked about the long-term stability and expansion of this program, noting past funding challenges.
    • Response (Bloom): Deeply values the program; FY27 details not yet available. Collaborating on equitable access to partnerships across the system. Confirmed Councilor Mejia's historical account of funding.
  • White Stadium vs. Madison Park: Asked about reconciling the White Stadium renovation with Madison Park's needs, suggesting a more manageable White Stadium project to free up resources.
    • Response (Bloom): Both projects are in the budget and moving forward. Madison Park is going through the MSBA process, with a board vote expected this winter. Believes both can proceed.
  • Madison Park Renovation: Asked for clarity on the status of Madison Park, specifically if funding is secured for "shovel-ready" work.
    • Response (Bloom): Madison Park is going through the MSBA process, with a very encouraging site visit and a board vote expected this winter to move to the next round.

Public Testimony

• Ayanna Fitzgerald (Parent Mentor, Roger Clapp Elementary, St. Stephen's Youth Programs):
  • Advocated for more support for Latinx and Hispanic students in schools, particularly for bilingual education.
  • Stressed the injustice of children not being able to demonstrate intelligence due to language barriers on tests.
  • Believes teaching multiple languages would foster understanding and compassion.
• David Jean Baptiste (Parent Mentor, Mattahunt School, Haitian Creole/French speaker):
  • Expressed gratitude for St. Stephen's initiative in bilingual system, calling it a beautiful opportunity that covers all aspects of life.
• Nathalie Maté (Mother of 3, Mattapan, from Colombia, daughter at Blackstone School):
  • Highlighted challenges with English language adaptation for her daughter and communication barriers for herself.
  • Advocated for more bilingual teachers in schools to support children and families from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
  • Stated that bilingual staff help students maintain native language, family connection, and advance without feeling alone.
• Josie Clairvaux (Parent Mentor, West Roxbury, child at Mattahunt School):
  • Emphasized belief in young people and community strength.
  • Described parent mentors' role in translating, interpreting, guiding, and helping children feel at home, especially for English learners.
  • Stated that parent mentors bring culture, hearts, and hope, helping shy children find their voices.
  • Urged continued funding, expansion, and protection of bilingual education and parent mentor programs.
• Dora Sandoval (Mother of 3, Hurley School, Parent Mentor):
  • Thanked the Council for supporting the parent mentor program.
  • Shared experience in a third-grade classroom, observing diverse learning needs and challenges for new immigrant students.
  • Questioned potential school closures, fearing increased class sizes (currently 20-25 students).
  • Asked for continued support for the parent mentor program, highlighting its benefits for parents and the community.
• Kate Phelps (Roxbury, Franklin Park Defenders supporter):
  • Praised parent mentors for their essential, cost-effective work.
  • Criticized exorbitant spending on White Stadium (projected $91 million) for a private soccer franchise, calling it unnecessary for Boston.
  • Advocated for rebuilding a high school stadium for BPS use, citing proposals for $18-60 million.
  • Asked David Bloom how much has been spent on destroying the stadium and site preparation.
    • Response (Chair): All questions must be directed to the Chair.
• Jessica Oyer (Dorchester, children at Hurley School):
  • Advocated for more dual language and bilingual schools to benefit students and help them maintain native languages.
  • Shared a personal example of nephews struggling to communicate with family due to lack of Spanish proficiency.
• Mariani Romero (Dominican mother, Roslindale, 2 daughters in BPS, Parent Mentor at St. Stephen's):
  • Praised the parent mentor program for opening new doors, experiences, and knowledge, helping her develop personally and professionally.
  • Highlighted the program's support for parents to study English and pursue professions.
  • Thanked donors and asked for continued support for the program.
• Cynthia Soto (Alston, mother of 3 BPS students):
  • Shared her daughter's experience of failing an exam school test due to lack of English proficiency, crushing her dreams.
  • Advocated for more bilingual schools in Boston to prevent language from limiting children's dreams.
• Carolina Soto (Dorchester, child at Trotter Elementary, Parent Mentor Program Coordinator at St. Stephen's):
  • Thanked for support and collaboration.
  • Urged the Council to push for more bilingual schools, teachers, and programs in the BPS budget.
  • Noted limited bilingual options, long waiting lists, and long travel distances for students needing such education.
  • Stated that investing in bilingual programs is investing in academic, emotional, and professional success.
• Nicole Perez (Dorchester, child at Hurley School, Parent Mentor at St. Stephen's):
  • Thanked for support of the Parent Mentor Program and asked for continued appropriations.
  • Advocated for more bilingual schools in Boston for better literacy and future opportunities.
  • Shared personal story: her daughter, with an IEP, learned English in three months at Hurley's bilingual program without losing native language.
• Alan Iyer (Boston English and Fields):
  • Called the White Stadium project "disgusting," criticizing the displacement of footballers and lack of community participation.
  • Stated that FOIA requests for financial information (bonds, pro formas, cost estimates) have been refused by the city.
  • Accused the project of "Black erasure" by replacing local footballers with a private soccer team, predicting limited public access.
  • Urged the NAACP to stop the project and consider alternatives for a public stadium.
• Kaliga (BPS parent, Roxbury):
  • Supported Alan Iyer's materials.
  • Criticized unevenness in BPS education and the diversion of funds to White Stadium from BPS capital budget.
  • Highlighted shameful conditions at Madison Park and O'Brien schools.
  • Advocated for alternative White Stadium plans for BPS use, claiming it would free up at least $30 million for schools.
• Priscilla Flint (Founding Executive Director, Marcus Anthony Hall Educational Institute, Franklin Park Defenders member):
  • Agreed with previous speaker.
  • Called the White Stadium project a "fiasco," "horrible," and a "shame and a disgrace."
  • Stated that if the city cared about schoolchildren, it would fix the stadium for them, not for "rich folks."
  • Criticized Mayor Wu for running unopposed and doing "what she wants to do."
• Beth Abelow (Jamaica Plain, Franklin Park Defender):
  • Echoed concerns about diverting funds from BPS needs (bilingual programs, mentor programs, Madison Park) to White Stadium for a professional soccer team.
  • Stated that an alternative plan exists that would save money and benefit a larger number of students and the city's future.

Councilor Questions - Second Round

• Councilor Liz Breadon:
  • Long-Term Facilities Plan (LTFP): Asked when the detailed LTFP with execution dates and allocated funds would be available, noting it currently lacks specific timelines.
    • Response (Bloom): The LTFP is a framework for decisions, but conditions change, so a 10-year fixed plan is difficult.
    • Response (Rose): The LTFP presented last fall provides a general direction.
  • School Facilities Needs: Highlighted everyday needs like lighting at Brighton High, and auditoriums at Brighton High and Edison (87 seats cordoned off). Stressed the importance of functional facilities for student engagement and retention.
  • Adult ESOL Funding: Inquired about funding for adult ESOL programs for parents, noting their low cost and high impact.
    • Response (Bloom): No significant new investment planned. Existing programs (formal adult education, Parent University) will continue.
  • Parent Participation in ESOL: Asked for the number of parents participating in these programs.
    • Response (Bloom): Will provide the number.
• Councilor Enrique Pepén:
  • Funding for Partner Organizations (e.g., St. Stephen's): Asked how organizations like St. Stephen's are funded and the total allocation for such programs.
    • Response (Bloom): $7-10 million annually for enrichment, tutoring, and partnerships with non-profits.
  • Stronger Partnerships: Asked about opportunities for stronger partnerships with organizations deeply involved in schools.
    • Response (Bloom): BPS is in year one of a multi-year contract, working to increase school awareness of the program's value and cost.
  • Homeless Student Support: Inquired about resources and investments for homeless students and parents, including partnerships with the Office of Housing Stability or BHA.
    • Response (Rose): Hearn office deals with homeless students, transportation, and family connections. Hub schools connect families to city resources. Partnerships with non-profits like Higher Ground.
  • Homelessness Research: Asked if BPS has researched the high homelessness population and how to tackle it.
    • Response (Rose): Attributed to unaffordability in Boston. BPS has improved identification of homeless youth (e.g., couch surfing) and ensuring they attend school.
  • Food Insecurity: Asked about the impact of potential federal cuts to food support.
    • Response (Bloom): BPS lost a fresh local foods federal grant but covered the cost internally. Meal quality has improved, and focus is now on increasing student meal uptake (e.g., breakfast in the classroom) for reimbursement.
  • Composting: Advocated for composting opportunities in BPS facilities to mitigate food waste.
• Councilor Benjamin Weber:
  • Access to Council Program: Asked about the effectiveness of the program providing attorneys for BPS families facing eviction and how to support it.
    • Response (Rose): Will connect with the Hearn office for data.
  • Homeless Student Numbers & Busing Costs: Asked for updated numbers on homeless students (last year ~5,000) and transportation costs (last year ~$17 million for out-of-city shelters).
    • Response (Bloom): Will provide updated numbers. Anticipates new family shelter in West Roxbury will help reduce busing costs.
  • Busing Costs Breakdown: Asked for a breakdown of the $115 million busing budget (yellow bus only) between traditional and special needs transportation.
    • Response (Bloom): Will provide breakdown. Special education transportation is more expensive due to door-to-door requirements. BPS is reviewing to ensure it's only for those who need it. Full department budget is $187 million.
  • Inclusion Model: Asked how the budget reflects the inclusion model's implementation and ensures adequate resources, given past failures.
    • Response (Bloom): Significant update from previous model, putting more resources in schools, rolling out to grades 3, 4, and 11 for FY27. Service mapping and academic support ensure effective program design.
    • Response (Rose): Success depends on strong community-engaged design processes.
  • White Stadium Public Records: Asked who to contact regarding public records requests for White Stadium, as it's a capital expense not in Bloom's budget.
    • Response (Bloom): Would likely come from Public Facilities Department (PFD).
• Councilor Julia Mejia:
  • Graduating Students Not Proficient in English: Asked what BPS is doing for students graduating without English proficiency, who then face remedial courses.
    • Response (Rose): Emphasized rigorous, culturally responsive instruction and "targeted universalism" to ensure proficiency. MassCore alignment for college/career readiness.
    • Response (Mejia): Pressed for concrete, measurable actions and investments to address this specific issue.
  • White Stadium Beer Garden: Asked for clarification on the beer garden at White Stadium and how it would be managed when students are present.
    • Response (Bloom): Not an expert on the proposal, but stated a beer garden would not operate when students are there.
  • Madison Park Renovation: Reiterated decades of unfulfilled promises for Madison Park, asking what it will take for BPS to make the investment.
    • Response (Rose): Believes progress is being made, but "people will believe we're doing it when the shovels are in the ground."
  • Revised DESE Oversight Memo (2022): Asked about specific educational outcomes and dollar amounts related to the revised agreement.
    • Response (Bloom): Highlighted Mayor Wu's $50 million, five-year commitment to inclusive education as a game-changing investment. Also, $15 million in investments for new multilingual programming and dual literacy.
  • Bilingual Programs: Asked about the number of new bilingual programs (16 total) and the scale of need, given 27% of students are English language learners.
    • Response (Bloom): Two new dual language programs (Sarah Roberts, Blackstone) and newcomer programs at high schools.
    • Response (Rose): Over half of students speak a different language at home. Need is complex, requiring space, staff, and proven models. Community input is crucial.
  • Investment in English Language Learners (ELLs): Asked for total investments in ELLs for FY26 and year-over-year increase.
    • Response (Bloom): Will provide this information.
• Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata:
  • BADA East Boston: Praised the Adult Technical Academy for multilingual learner pathways (ages 19-22). Asked if declining enrollment or lack of interest would harm its progress.
    • Response (Bloom): BPS supports BADA East. Reviewing capacity and enrollment. Early stages of discussion, but supports the whole Barraza community.
  • Legal Aid/Immigrant Aid Line Item: Inquired about the status of a $3 million line item for legal aid for parents, a partnership with MOYA and BPS.
    • Response (Bloom): Not in his budget, but BPS teams are collaborating with city agencies on these supports.
  • Inclusion Model Effectiveness: Asked if BPS is having direct conversations with teachers and principals to ensure the inclusion model is utilized to its maximum efficiency.
    • Response (Rose): Yes, individualized conversations are happening.
  • Central Office Spending: Asked about the 17% decline in central office spending from last FY and if changes to workflow/organizational charts have reduced salary spending.
    • Response (Bloom): Significant review of central office spending (positions, contracts). Driven by feedback from schools and alignment with strategic goals. Superintendent emphasizes direct student impact.
  • Budget Allocation (School-based vs. Central): Asked for the percentage breakdown of the budget.
    • Response (Bloom):
      • Direct school expenses: $960 million (61%)
      • School services budgeted centrally (transportation, special education, facilities): 28%
      • Spending on students not attending BPS (out-of-district special ed, foster care): 4%
      • Central office spending: 7%
  • College Credits & Vocational Expansion: Advocated for increased investment in college credit programs for high school students and expanding vocational education across grades and schools.
    • Response (Rose): Investments in dual enrollment and early college coursework. Conversations around Madison Park access for 7th/8th graders. Many schools have voc-tech programming, and 7-12 schools increase access for younger students.
  • Exam School Policy Reform: Expressed concern about potential decline in Black and Latino student enrollment in exam schools due to policy reform. Suggested creating open enrollment schools with similar academic rigor or HBCU-themed prep high schools.
    • Response (Rose): Agreed there shouldn't be only one model for excellence; all schools should strive for excellence.
• Councilor Edward Flynn:
  • Josiah Quincy School Gymnasium: Asked for the status of supporting a new or fixed gymnasium at Josiah Quincy School.
    • Response (Bloom): Team is preparing next round of capital proposals; more information soon.
  • Blackstone School: Inquired about the status of the Blackstone School, noting its age, poor design, and inability to use the swimming pool. Advocated for a new Blackstone school.
    • Response (Bloom/Rose): Acknowledged it's an important project under consideration but could not provide specific updates on its priority.
  • Wheelchair Transportation: Asked about the safe and effective transportation of students with disabilities in wheelchairs, specifically if a bus monitor is provided for every such student.
    • Response (Bloom): It's a priority, and commitment is made, but could not confirm 100% compliance. Will provide data.
  • Multi-Year BPS Plan: Advocated for a multi-year BPS plan for clear understanding of strategic shifts and numbers.
  • Budget Book: Asked if a budget book would be provided this year.
    • Response (Bloom): Yes, a preliminary draft will be provided before the March working session.

The hearing on Docket #1669 was adjourned.