Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

Beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019

Last updated: 7/1/18

Schools as the Great Equalizer

A cornerstone of Mayor Walsh’s FY19 budget is the investment in public education. Since taking office, Mayor Walsh has increased spending by $261 million, and results are showing. Graduation rates are at a historic high and Boston Public Schools has more high performing schools than ever before.

Overall, the BPS budget is increasing by $51 million next year. $40 million of that funding will go directly to schools where principals, teachers, and staff can respond to the needs of their students. This is almost a 6% increase in funding directed to schools. Despite flat enrollment district-wide, the vast majority of schools will see increases in their budgets.
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School funding

Three-quarters of the $40 million will go directly to educators to ensure Boston attracts and retains the best talent nationwide. This funding will improve student performance and better prepare students for success.

The remaining $10 million is directed to schools facing challenges that need additional supports, including:

  • $3 million in additional investment in school budgets for high-needs students through the Opportunity Index, an innovative tool allowing BPS to allocate resources more equitably.
  • $3 million in additional investment in school budgets for English language learners (ELL)
  • $2.8 million in transition funding for schools with declining enrollments
  • $1 million in supports for lower performing schools
  • $500,000 in additional funds to support students experiencing homelessness


Strategic investments

Centrally-funded investments

The budget also includes $6 million in targeted high-impact investments to support physical and mental health and close opportunity and achievement gaps. These include adding 20 new social emotional wellness professionals, expanding Excellence for All to the 6th grade, and expanding Becoming a Man, a program that serves young men of color by providing school-based group counseling and mentoring services.

Continuing long-term investments

In FY19, BPS will also continue its three research-backed major investments: extended learning time for students, high-quality teachers, and early childhood education .

  • The district is making a $20 million annual investment in adding the equivalent of 20 days of instruction to the school day for almost 60 elementary schools.
  • BPS will spend $38 million in FY19 on increased salaries and benefits for educators, making them among the highest paid in the country.
  • BPS has made steady progress in adding K1 seats. In FY19, the number of K1 seats will be 1,056 higher since Mayor Walsh took office.

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