Ep. 52, Last Night @ School Committee: 3/23 Meeting Recap

Last Night At School Committee

Last night’s meeting concluded the months-long process of approving the $1.3 billion budget for the next school year. After numerous public listening sessions as well as feedback from the School Committee, the Superintendent and her team brought the budget for a vote. This budget vote also coincides with the recent news that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be conducting an audit of the district and has prompted a discussion on state receivership, which has been contested by Mayor Michelle Wu. There were numerous pointed questions from members of the School Committee about the district’s struggles in filling vacancies and the consequences of creating more than 100 new positions. The School Committee ultimately voted in favor of the budget with one “no” vote.

The School Committee heard two reports last night: a report on assignment and application numbers, and an update on the Superintendent search. The Superintendent and her team shared application data indicating a decline in enrollment for the upcoming school year. This data was first presented last night but typically would be available prior to the final budget vote.

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