Public School Committee Budget Hearings Start Wednesday

Wednesday night the Boston School Committee will have its first of four public budget hearings to discuss a proposed school budget of $829.5 million.

The hearing is at 5 p.m. at English High School, 144 McBride St., Jamaica Plain.

The School Committee is scheduled to vote on a final budget on March 23, and then the school budget will be submitted as a part of Mayor Thomas Menino's budget, which is then submitted to the Boston City Council.

According to Boston Public School officials, the proposed FY12 budget closes a budget gap of $63 million; and that the rising cost of health care for employees, and step increases for members of collective bargaining units, including the Boston Teachers Union, contributed to the funding gap. 
 
BPS officials expect the proposed budget to reduce approximately 250-300 positions within system, but that the majority of those staff reductions would be through retirements or regular job changes. 

For information on the Boston Public Schools fiscal year 2012 budget visit here. 
 
The Boston School Committee will hold hearings this month to hear community input on the proposed budget: 
 
Wednesday, March 2
English High School
144 McBride St., Jamaica Plain
5-6:30 p.m.: Budget hearing
6:30-8 p.m.: School Committee meeting
 
Thursday, March 3
Irving Middle School
105 Cummins Highway, Roslindale
6-8 p.m.
 
Tuesday, March 15
Edward Winter Chambers 
26 Court St., Boston
5-6 p.m.: Budget hearing
6-8 p.m.: School Committee meeting
 
Tuesday, March 22
East Boston High School
86 White St., East Boston
6-8 p.m.