Boston Teachers Union, students, and community to rally at City Hall against proposed school cuts
Advocates call on city to “let BPS students bloom” with 1% budget investment
BOSTON, MA – On Tuesday, March 24, educators, students, parents, and community allies will gather at Boston City Hall to demand full funding for Boston Public Schools and push back against proposed cuts that would eliminate more than 400 positions across the district.
The proposed cuts would disproportionately impact students with the greatest needs, including multilingual learners and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), by reducing the number of educators and support staff who provide critical, direct services. BTU research shows that the district has viable alternatives to balance its budget without cutting essential staffing and student supports.
Advocates are calling on Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston City Councilors to invest an additional 1% of the city’s operating budget — approximately $48 million — to maintain current services and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Rally begins at 5:00 p.m. City Council Budget Hearing begins at 6:00 PM.
WHERE: Attendees will gather outside Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA. Participants will host a standout featuring educators, families, and students. Then, Boston Teachers Union members will enter City Hall for the hearing.
WHO: Members of the Boston Teachers Union, Boston Teachers Union leadership, community allies, local elected officials, and students and families in support.
WHAT: The Boston Teachers Union will host the “Let BPS Students Bloom” rally at Boston City Hall, bringing together educators, students, parents, and community allies to call for increased investment in Boston Public Schools and to oppose proposed cuts. Immediately following the rally, participants will attend and testify at the Boston City Council’s budget hearing.
WHY: With more than 400 positions on the chopping block, Boston students risk losing critical academic and social-emotional supports. The BTU and its allies are urging city leaders to make a modest 1% investment to protect services and prioritize student success.
“Our students need more support staff, more individualized attention, and more support to create stronger outcomes in our classrooms, not less,” said Erik Berg, President of the Boston Teachers Union. “Cutting more than 400 positions would be a step in the wrong direction, especially for our most vulnerable students. We are calling on the city to protect these critical services. We ask the Mayor and City Council to make a modest 1% investment to ensure every Boston student has the support they need to thrive.”
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About the Boston Teachers Union
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout Boston.
We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people.
We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.