The meeting also put a spotlight on the city’s budget, particularly concerning the Boston Police Department. Discussions centered on a proposed $50 million increase to the police budget, which led to a series of public testimonies. Many speakers opposed the increase, advocating instead for reallocating funds to community needs such as mental health crisis response and affordable housing.

In terms of education, the council members and Boston Public Schools (BPS) staff debated the budget’s impact on special education and English language learners. Concerns were raised about the proposed increase in the number of students in each Individualized Education Plan (IEP) classroom, as well as the financial challenges for schools to hire bilingual teachers due to budget cuts.

The expansion of Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) in collaboration with the city was another focal point, with the expectation to offer UPK at 57 sites reflecting approximately 1500 seats in the upcoming school year. The council members grappled with the complexities of ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, particularly for those with diverse learning needs.

Public safety was also a key topic, with the Council discussing the quality and safety of bus transportation for BPS. Efforts to improve the system included implementing a new real-time tracking system and expanding a dual language program in East Boston, highlighting the need to cater to the district’s growing immigrant population. Additionally, the Council addressed the need for a new high school to serve the diverse student population in East Boston.

The meeting laid bare the concerns regarding the Boston Public Schools’ response to the needs of English language learners and the mass exodus of members from the English Language Learner Task Force. The superintendent acknowledged the need for corrective action and emphasized the importance of accountability in the dual language program.

The Council also tackled the topic of the Carol School and its services for students with disabilities, discussing partnerships with organizations like Landmark and Wilson Language, as well as a study on dyslexia with Mass General Hospital. The conversation included the impact of the inclusion model on staff burnout and the need for additional support and professional development for educators.

Public testimonies from community members provided personal insights into the challenges within the BPS system. Speakers shared concerns about the lack of resources and support for students who are recent arrivals and may struggle with English proficiency. The testimonies called for increased resources and support for special education and multilingual learners.

Other topics included the approval of an order to reduce the FY 25 appropriation for the reserve for collective bargaining by $7,744,644 to cover increases in the collective bargaining agreements between the city and the Boston Police Superior Officers Federation. This agreement included base wage increases and reforms relating to discipline and officer return to duty.

The Council also discussed the training of police officers to handle mental health cases, emphasizing the importance of incorporating mental health training into the academy’s curriculum and ongoing training for veteran officers. Furthermore, the Council debated the diversity of leadership within the police department, with concerns raised about the lack of diversity in recent sergeant exams.

The focus was on providing more native language access for students across the district and creating better outcomes for secondary students.

The meeting concluded with various resolutions, including commemorating Memorial Day and honoring veterans and their families. The Council also supported the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Act and celebrated Emergency Medical Services Week. However, there was no meeting the following week due to the Memorial Day holiday.