Boston Public Schools Plans to Cut Jobs as Enrollment Drops, Deficit Grows

It's likely not going to be good news next week when Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Mary Skipper delivers her budget plan for the coming fiscal year.

The Boston Globe reported that BPS's chief financial officer, David Bloom, indicated that a “significant portion” of the reduction will include eliminating positions at three schools planned to close at the end of the school year. The district has not yet reported where the cuts would take place.

Last month, school administrators warned that rising health insurance costs, transportation expenses, special education costs, and increased labor contract-related expenses have combined to influence the decision to reduce the employee base.

The school budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be presented to the School Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

According to the Boston Globe, BPS's anticipated financial challenges come on top of a $53 million shortfall for the current fiscal year, which concludes on June 30. In a memo to staff this month, Skipper said the shortfall was driven by rising insurance and transportation costs, as well as costs associated with student food services and filling full-time positions.

Administrators have taken measures to balance the budget, including instituting a hiring freeze on vacant school- and Central Office-based positions and halting other forms of spending, Skipper said. The district tried to safeguard areas that directly impact students, she said.

In a statement issued to members last week, the Boston Teachers Union warned about anticipated job cuts across the district. The Union called on the city to cover increases in insurance costs and provide more resources to educators.

“We ought to be able to provide our students, our schools with appropriate staffing and funding to meet all students' needs,” Berg said. “We can do it. It's a question of whether we have the will to do it.”

According to the Globe, the current year's budget represented a 3.5% increase — approximately $53.4 million — over fiscal year 2025. This budget focused on priorities, including allocating more funding for special education and English language learner instruction. Over half of the budget increase was directed toward covering rising costs, such as salaries and health insurance.