Public Input Session
Wednesday, March 4th, 5 p.m.
Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy
Proposed Budget Available for Viewing
Wednesday, April 15th
Available on the SPS Website and Central Office, Libraries, Neighborhood Councils & Community Centers
Public Hearing on Proposed Budget
Wednesday, April 29th, 5 p.m.
Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy
School Committee Vote on FY2027 Budget
Thursday, May 7th, 5 p.m.
Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy
Springfield School Committee Adopts FY27 Budget Centered on Student Opportunity and School Investment
The Springfield Public Schools School Committee voted Thursday night to adopt the district's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, approving a general fund operating budget of $708,789,645 that continues the district's focus on strengthening schools, supporting students, and expanding educational opportunities.
“Our major objective is always to concentrate the monies in the classroom toward our students' education and career preparation. And again, unlike other school districts that are facing budget and service cuts, we have once again put forth a responsible and sustainable budget focused on our students," said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnall said the budget reflects the district's commitment to investing in students from early childhood through postsecondary success. “It represents thoughtful investments in the areas that matter most as we strive to move our district forward," she said.
Key highlights in the FY27 budget include:
• Increased funding for PreK centers and early literacy initiatives
• Expanded funding and staffing to support Exceptional Learners and Multilingual students
• Continued investment in middle school transformation efforts
• Sustained support for College and Career Development pathways
• Ongoing investment in postsecondary success tracking and student outcomes
• Approximately $49 million in school-based allocations supporting teaching and learning
A major transition reflected in the budget is the return of eight former Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership schools to the district as Innovation Schools. District leaders said the transition represents an important step forward and reinforces the district's commitment to supporting all schools within Springfield Public Schools.
Dinnall thanked the award-winning Springfield Public Schools Budget and Finance team and the School Committee for their commitment and diligence throughout the budget process. She also noted that many communities are confronting significant fiscal challenges and reductions in school spending. Dinnall said Springfield is fortunate to have strong financial leadership and thoughtful planning in place as the district prepares for future uncertainties.
“We understand that the financial landscape will become increasingly difficult in the years ahead," Dinnall said. “But I have tremendous confidence in Chief Financial Officer Patrick Roach, his team, and the collective leadership across this district to help guide us through whatever challenges may come."
School Committee Vice-Chairwoman LaTonia Monroe-Naylor, who chairs the Budget and Finance Subcommittee, also praised the district's “strong and highly skilled team."
“The team guided us through this challenging financial landscape with efficiency and thoughtfulness, resulting in a budget that reflects a districtwide commitment to providing the tools and resources needed to strengthen teaching and learning," she said. “Throughout the process, the focus remained on keeping classrooms, students, and staff at the center of every decision."