Lynn School Committee Backs Union Amid $6.6M Gap

School Committee · Meeting of February 26, 2026

LYNN — The Lynn School Committee voted to back the teachers union's funding push as it faces a $6.6 million FY27 budget gap. Superintendent Cohen said a $10.2 million state and city funding increase "did not keep pace" with rising costs, citing a 614-student enrollment decline and a roughly $1 million shortfall from higher-than-expected health insurance costs. The district has found $5.5 million in savings, including a one-time $2 million curriculum cut, but Cohen said "a reduction in force does appear to be necessary." Lynn Teachers Union President Phil O'Connor invited officials to a March 4 AFT Day of Action at the Statehouse; the committee voted 6-0, with Member Pena absent, to formally support the union's advocacy.

Secondary principals separately reported high school attendance has fallen to 90 percent, with more than 700 students logging seven or more absences this year.

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Source: the School Committee meeting of February 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.