Cambridge Finance Committee Forwards $293.5 Million School Budget With Favorable Recommendation

CAMBRIDGE — May 6, 2026 — Cambridge Finance Committee advances $293.5 million school budget with a 6-2 favorable recommendation. The committee voted Wednesday to forward the Cambridge Public Schools FY2027 budget to the full City Council after more than two hours of questioning on literacy, enrollment attrition, and cost-effectiveness. The budget represents a 4.7 percent increase of $13.25 million — described by Councillor Marc McGovern as likely the smallest percentage increase the school department has received in 20 years — with 83 percent of spending, or roughly $10.3 million of the increase, consumed by salaries and benefits. Superintendent Dr. Victor Murphy and CFO Ivy Washington defended the budget's three priorities — improved student supports, before-school time alignment, and enhanced data systems — while acknowledging nine collective bargaining agreements set to expire imminently. Councillors El Zuby and Sabrina Wheeler voted against the favorable recommendation, with El Zuby citing unresolved questions about whether investments are reaching students and noting the school committee's own divided 4-2-1 adoption vote.