Boston School Committee Minutes
The meeting focused on several substantive reports and action items. The Superintendent's Report introduced the new Deputy Superintendent of Academics, Dr. Simone Wright, and provided an update on the FY26 budget deficit of $53 million, noting the implementation of a spending pause across Central Office and discretionary school funds to mitigate the shortfall. The report also covered the closure of several schools slated for the end of the 2027 school year, recognizing several Schools of Recognition based on state accountability results, and celebrating the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Action items included the unanimous approval of grants totaling $1,072,423.50 and in-kind donations totaling $500,000. The Committee reviewed the Eliot K-8 School Innovation Plan renewal for 2026-2031, focusing on AI as an equity accelerator and Unified Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). A joint presentation by the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) and the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC) addressed strategies for supporting students with disabilities, including inclusion efforts, literacy instruction, and addressing disproportionality. SpEdPAC stressed the need for a comprehensive plan for inclusion and facilities before proceeding with school closures.