The Beverly Public Schools School Committee held a budget hearing on May 22, 2025, addressing significant financial challenges facing the district. The meeting underscored the urgent need for increased funding to support educational programs while navigating rising costs in other city departments.

The discussion began with a strong emphasis on the importance of education, with committee members highlighting their commitment to the children and public schools of Beverly. A key point raised was the necessity of advocating for the budget, which is critical for the upcoming year.

The committee revealed that the city faces a budget shortfall, needing to allocate approximately $2.2 million more to cover mandated expenses. These include a $575,000 increase in pension investments, a 10% rise in health insurance premiums costing about $675,000, and over $1 million required for salary increases for city employees. Additionally, sanitation costs are projected to rise by $165,000.

In response to these financial pressures, the committee proposed significant cuts to the road and sidewalk budget, reducing it from $2.7 million to zero for the upcoming year. The intention is to utilize cash reserves to fund road and sidewalk projects, although the sustainability of this approach remains uncertain.

Further budget reductions were discussed, including a decrease in capital equipment funding from $350,000 to $150,000 and the elimination of a planned $180,000 allocation for police vehicles. The committee also proposed a $250,000 reduction in the debt line and an additional $300,000 cut from various city departments.

The overarching goal of these budgetary adjustments is to ensure that every new dollar, except for $185,000, is directed towards the schools and the education of students. The committee emphasized the critical nature of these decisions, framing the budget as a historic moment for the community's educational future.

As the meeting concluded, the committee reiterated the importance of collaboration and advocacy to secure the necessary funding for Beverly's schools, setting the stage for further discussions with the city council.