BPS outlines further steps to balance FY16 budget
BOSTON – Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent John McDonough today released an
update to the district’s efforts to balance the FY16 budget, which includes a limited number of school
and program closures at the end of the current school year. Superintendent McDonough and BPS senior
staff will meet with families of students who attend the impacted schools and program this week.
Proposed for closure are Elihu Greenwood Leadership Academy and the Rogers Middle School in
Hyde Park; Community Academy in Jamaica Plain; Middle School Academy in South Boston; and
West Roxbury Academy. Middle School Academy and Community Academy will also undergo a
program redesign process.
Contributing to the district’s fiscal gap are annual increased costs that continue to rise at a pace faster
than the increase in revenues. Mayor Martin J. Walsh has committed to increasing the district’s budget
between 3-4% over the current year’s budget.
"In order for us to give all of our students the opportunity to succeed, it is imperative that we are using
our resources as efficiently as possible," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "The decision to close schools has
been a difficult one to make, but I am confident it will strengthen our school system to better serve our
young people for generations to come."
BPS used a set of criteria that included enrollment trends, school choice (how families ranked school options)
data, and academic performance to develop the recommended list of schools. The district also considered the
financial sustainability of Community Academy and Middle School Academy, which offer alternative education
options to students who are referred to the programs, emphasizing that BPS’ commitment to the quality and
intensity of support for students will not waiver. The Boston School Committee will make a final decision on
the Superintendent’s proposal on March 25.
Informational meetings for families of students attending the impacted schools will take place at each of the
schools on Monday evening, March 2 and again on Thursday evening, March 5. Parents, students, staff and
community members will also be able to comment on the recommendations at an upcoming School Committee
meeting on March 4, and at upcoming budget hearings, scheduled for March 9 and 11.
“To invest in areas that will most impact student success, the district must make difficult decisions,” said
Michael O’Neill, chair of the Boston School Committee. “I know that these recommendations do not come lightly
and the School Committee looks forward to discussing them as part of the full proposal and to hearing directly
from those who would be impacted.”
“If we don’t take action now, we will continue to stretch our resources too thin and put in jeopardy every school
in every corner of this city; we would put all students at risk. This is not an acceptable option,” said Superintendent
McDonough. “We are committed to being with families and students every step of the way, from providing help for
making new school choices to supporting their transitions to new schools next fall, to investing in strategies that can
help all students succeed.”
More information on the list of recommended school closures, including a video message from the Superintendent,