Boston Schools Approve $1.7B Budget, Launch AI Program for High Schoolers

Boston Public Schools approved a $1.7 billion budget for the next fiscal year that includes cuts to approximately 568 positions, resulting in up to 400 staff layoffs including about 260 teachers and 144 aides. The decision came after the district implemented a partial hiring freeze in early 2026 due to a projected $53 million budget deficit for the current fiscal year ending June 30.

Budget Decisions and Position Reductions

These cuts are projected to eliminate over 100 classroom aides, potentially undermining the district's goal of having all students with disabilities learning in inclusive classrooms by 2027. The moves reflect ongoing efforts by local services to address shortfalls while maintaining core operations across Boston Public Schools.

School Consolidations Affecting Students

Four schools will close and two will merge at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, affecting about 1,300 students, with more than a third being multilingual learners. This consolidation forms part of the district's approach to managing resources through local decisions on facility use and enrollment patterns.

Introduction of AI Proficiency Mandate

Boston will become the first major U.S. city to require artificial intelligence proficiency for all public high school graduates, rolling out a new AI educational program in September 2026. The initiative proceeds alongside the budget measures as the district implements changes to curriculum requirements.

Local services continue to adjust staffing and programs in response to the approved figures and enrollment shifts. The combination of reductions and the upcoming AI rollout shows how Boston Public Schools is addressing immediate fiscal pressures while setting new graduation standards for the coming school year.