The Boston School Committee last month passed the budget for fiscal year 2017 in a 5-2 vote, according to a press release.
The budget process has been a contentious one with thousands of students staging a walk-out to protest cuts in funding. Some of the funding was restored after the protest.
The new budget of $1.027 billion reflects an increase of $13.5 million from the previous school year.
“I am proud that the City of Boston continues to make increased investments in our youth,” said Mayor Martin Walsh, according to the press release. “I appreciate the efforts that have gone into putting this budget together, and the input from the community. It is clear that providing our children the best possible education needs to remain a top priority. I look forward to working with the City Council and the community to finalize the budget.”
The approved budget still needs to be submitted to the City Council for final approval.
The budget will make investments in early and special education by adding 200-odd pre-kindergarten seats next year, $1 million for special education support teams, and $1 million to fund a special education data system for parents to access a specialized educational plan information about their children.