The committee is preparing for budget season with a close eye on the substantial increase in health insurance costs, which will affect the city and school department’s financial planning. This increase is compounded by the end of exceptional funding sources, such as ESRE funding, which previously helped manage these costs. The committee plans to discuss strategies during an upcoming Ways and Means meeting to address these financial challenges while trying to maintain other budget areas. Special education costs were also noted as an area that is not performing as expected financially, prompting discussions on potentially using reserve funds to manage the budgetary gaps.

In more positive developments, the committee reviewed several new grants, which will provide substantial support to the district. Among them, the Democratic Knowledge Project implementation grant will provide each of the district’s middle schools with $24,000 to enhance civics action projects. Additionally, a teacher diversification grant, amounting to $42,556, aims to foster school culture and support, although it will not be used for signing bonuses or salaries.

The committee also celebrated a $4,000 grant for the Revere High School library, which will expand students’ and staff’s access to online research resources. City Lab’s recent $1,500 endowment, following a site visit from the learning agenda, highlights the success of the school’s hands-on, project-based learning initiatives.