Boston Schools Cut 560 Jobs, Close Buildings Amid Budget Crisis

Boston Public Schools is cutting over 560 positions this summer, including 265 teaching roles and 161 paraprofessional jobs, as it confronts enrollment declines and the fallout from school closures without dipping into reserve funds to avoid layoffs.

These cuts come at a critical moment, as the district balances fiscal pressures with efforts to maintain educational services amid shifting student populations. The decisions reflect enduring challenges facing Boston’s public education system when enrollment drops and budgets tighten.

Closures and Enrollment Losses Rock Local Schools

The Croft School on Main Street will close at the end of 2026 after unsuccessful attempts to sell the facility. The closure precipitated a scramble by families, with over 60 students unenrolling in a single weekend as they seek alternatives for the upcoming school year. This local disruption compounds broader layoffs announced by district officials.

Aside from Croft, multiple closures and consolidations are altering the staffing needs district-wide, directly influencing the 265 teaching and 161 paraprofessional positions being cut. The district’s decision to avoid using reserve funds means the layoffs represent hard financial realities without short-term cushions.

Impact on Special Education and District Priorities

Special education support faces significant impacts, too. More than 100 classroom aides dedicated to supporting inclusive education will be eliminated, jeopardizing Boston Public Schools’ stated goal of fully inclusive classrooms by 2027.

Despite these cuts, the approved FY26 budget contains a $10 million infusion for inclusive practices and $4 million to expand bilingual and newcomer programs, aiming to support diverse learners across the city. However, the removal of vital aides raises questions about how the district will meet its ambitious inclusion targets.

On a brighter note, recent data shows Boston Public Schools achieved its highest-ever high school graduation rate of 81.3% for the class of 2025, a record since the district began tracking in 2006. This achievement comes amidst the budget battles and closures, indicating pockets of progress even as challenges mount.

Families and educators face uncertainty over staffing levels and school availability as the new academic year approaches. With layoffs already set, parents are advised to stay in close contact with their local school administrators and explore available district resources to navigate potential disruptions.

Looking ahead, the district will likely continue adjusting staffing and resources throughout the summer based on enrollment patterns and budget realities. The emphasis will remain on maintaining critical services despite financial constraints, but affected staff and students can expect a reshaped public school system this fall.