Cambridge Day does not endorse candidates or positions. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer.
The recent revelation about the previously undisclosed contract with The Equity Process, the superintendent search firm hired by the current school committee, was something I found while doing budget research for this mock policy order. The additional $40,000 has been dispatched from the School Committee’s discretionary budget of about $100,000 annually as you can see here. The new amount represents an increase of 402% over the original contract of $9,950, without any formal approval process by the full committee. This is in clear violation of School Committee rules that dictate that any contract amounting to more than $25,000 must be reviewed and approved by the full body in a vote.
I believe it’s critical that we empower the budget subcommittee, which has not met once since 2022. I have created a mock policy order, structured like an actual School Committee order, that if implemented would make the budget process more effective.
Expanding the Budget Subcommittee to Include Key Community Stakeholders and Begin Collaborative Public Budget Reviews
Our schools belong to the people of Cambridge, and our budget should reflect the values and priorities of our entire community. For too long, the process of shaping the annual Cambridge Public Schools budget has happened mostly behind closed doors, with limited opportunities for collaboration and dialogue.
This policy order invites all of us — educators, families, students, staff, and community partners — to sit at the same table and shape our future together. By expanding the Budget Subcommittee to include key stakeholder voices and creating open public review sessions, we can make the budget process more transparent, more equitable, and more responsive to the needs of our students.
This is about building trust, sharing power, and ensuring that every dollar we spend is guided by the collective wisdom of our community.
Background and Purpose
Each year, the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) budget shapes our shared vision for equity, opportunity, and student success. The School Committee recognizes that the best budget decisions come from working together — with educators, students, families, and the community at the table.
To ensure the budget truly reflects the needs and values of our city, this order proposes expanding the Budget Subcommittee to include representatives from across the CPS community and to create regular, open opportunities for public input during the budget process.
Policy Order
WHEREAS, the annual CPS budget is a public document that should reflect the voices and experiences of the people it serves; and
WHEREAS, transparent, inclusive, and collaborative decision-making strengthens trust and equity within our school community; and
WHEREAS, teachers, administrators, students, families, staff, and community partners all bring essential perspectives to how we allocate our shared resources;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED:
1. Expanding the Budget Subcommittee
The Cambridge School Committee will expand the Budget Subcommittee to include non-voting community members representing key stakeholder groups, including but not limited to:
2 classroom teachers (selected by the Cambridge Education Association)
2 paraprofessionals (selected by the CEA)
2 principals (selected jointly by the Superintendent and CEA)
2 caregivers (selected through the Cambridge School Council network)
2 students (selected by the CRLS Student Government or Student Advisory Council)
2 representatives from a local community partner (selected through an open process coordinated by the Family Engagement Office)
2. Public Budget Conversations
The expanded Subcommittee will host public budget review sessions starting no later than November 11, 2025, where community members can learn about the CPS budget, ask questions, and share priorities.
Materials and sessions will be made accessible in multiple languages and formats to encourage broad participation.
3. Sharing What We Learn
The Subcommittee will provide regular updates to the full School Committee, highlighting community feedback and recommendations gathered through these sessions.
4. Looking Ahead
After one full budget cycle, the School Committee will review this new model to assess its impact on community engagement and transparency and recommend improvements for the next year.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED:
That the Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer work with the Budget Subcommittee and Family Engagement Office to provide logistical and administrative support to make this process welcoming, transparent, and accessible to all Cambridge residents.
The writer is running for Cambridge School Committee.
This post was updated to note that the structure is for School Committee orders.
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The budget process the Cambridge Public Schools need
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Cambridge Day does not endorse candidates or positions. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer.
The recent revelation about the previously undisclosed contract with The Equity Process, the superintendent search firm hired by the current school committee, was something I found while doing budget research for this mock policy order. The additional $40,000 has been dispatched from the School Committee’s discretionary budget of about $100,000 annually as you can see here. The new amount represents an increase of 402% over the original contract of $9,950, without any formal approval process by the full committee. This is in clear violation of School Committee rules that dictate that any contract amounting to more than $25,000 must be reviewed and approved by the full body in a vote.
I believe it’s critical that we empower the budget subcommittee, which has not met once since 2022. I have created a mock policy order, structured like an actual School Committee order, that if implemented would make the budget process more effective.
Expanding the Budget Subcommittee to Include Key Community Stakeholders and Begin Collaborative Public Budget Reviews
Our schools belong to the people of Cambridge, and our budget should reflect the values and priorities of our entire community. For too long, the process of shaping the annual Cambridge Public Schools budget has happened mostly behind closed doors, with limited opportunities for collaboration and dialogue.
This policy order invites all of us — educators, families, students, staff, and community partners — to sit at the same table and shape our future together. By expanding the Budget Subcommittee to include key stakeholder voices and creating open public review sessions, we can make the budget process more transparent, more equitable, and more responsive to the needs of our students.
This is about building trust, sharing power, and ensuring that every dollar we spend is guided by the collective wisdom of our community.
Background and Purpose
Each year, the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) budget shapes our shared vision for equity, opportunity, and student success. The School Committee recognizes that the best budget decisions come from working together — with educators, students, families, and the community at the table.
To ensure the budget truly reflects the needs and values of our city, this order proposes expanding the Budget Subcommittee to include representatives from across the CPS community and to create regular, open opportunities for public input during the budget process.
Policy Order
WHEREAS, the annual CPS budget is a public document that should reflect the voices and experiences of the people it serves; and
WHEREAS, transparent, inclusive, and collaborative decision-making strengthens trust and equity within our school community; and
WHEREAS, teachers, administrators, students, families, staff, and community partners all bring essential perspectives to how we allocate our shared resources;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED:
1. Expanding the Budget Subcommittee
The Cambridge School Committee will expand the Budget Subcommittee to include non-voting community members representing key stakeholder groups, including but not limited to:
2. Public Budget Conversations
The expanded Subcommittee will host public budget review sessions starting no later than November 11, 2025, where community members can learn about the CPS budget, ask questions, and share priorities.
Materials and sessions will be made accessible in multiple languages and formats to encourage broad participation.
3. Sharing What We Learn
The Subcommittee will provide regular updates to the full School Committee, highlighting community feedback and recommendations gathered through these sessions.
4. Looking Ahead
After one full budget cycle, the School Committee will review this new model to assess its impact on community engagement and transparency and recommend improvements for the next year.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED:
That the Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer work with the Budget Subcommittee and Family Engagement Office to provide logistical and administrative support to make this process welcoming, transparent, and accessible to all Cambridge residents.
The writer is running for Cambridge School Committee.
This post was updated to note that the structure is for School Committee orders.
Like this:
Related Stories
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.