Audit: BPS misspent $857,000 since 2018

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State Audit: Boston Public Schools Misspent Over $857,000

A Massachusetts inspector general report released Wednesday found Boston Public Schools employees repeatedly hired vendors without valid contracts or the required competitive bidding between 2018 and 2024, then devised a workaround to pay them later. Payments were routinely routed through a handful of companies with existing district contracts acting as middlemen, with mark-ups costing at least $77,000 in added fees; the district also paid high, sometimes duplicate shipping charges, including a $211 shipping fee on a $96 order for four books. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro told WBUR investigators found no evidence of fraud or criminal conduct, but said at least $200,000 could have gone to programs more directly affecting students.

WBUR

BPS Sets Sept. 8 First Day, Back-to-School Webinar Set for Sept. 1

Boston Public Schools' 2026-2027 school year begins Tuesday, September 8. Families can join a back-to-school webinar with Superintendent Mary Skipper on Tuesday, September 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Boston Public Schools

Orange Line Shutdown Between Oak Grove and Back Bay Continues Through Aug. 30

The MBTA's 11-day Orange Line suspension between Oak Grove and Back Bay, underway since August 20 for track and signal work, continues through August 30, with free shuttle buses and fare-free Commuter Rail alternatives in place.

NBC Boston

Tessa Brown Closes Berklee Summer in the City Concert Series

Singer-songwriter Tessa Brown performs the season's final Berklee Summer in the City concert Thursday, August 27, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Prudential Center's South Garden.

Prudential Center

Teen YA Book Tasting Event Held at BPL Central Library

Boston Public Library's Central Library in Copley Square hosts a 'Fresh Starts & Fresh Reads: YA Book Tasting' event in Teen Central Thursday, August 27, from 2 to 3 p.m., with book sampling and snacks.

Boston Public Library

Christian Science Plaza Hosts Outdoor Handbell Performance

The Christian Science Plaza in Back Bay hosts 'Bells on The Christian Science Plaza,' an outdoor musical performance, Thursday, August 27, at 5 p.m.

Patch

Bistro du Midi Launches New 'Garden View Tea' Menu

Bistro du Midi, overlooking the Boston Public Garden, debuts its new afternoon tea menu Thursday, August 27, running weekly Thursday through Sunday.

Boston Chefs

City Extends Carney Hospital Redevelopment Comment Period to Nov. 2

The Boston Planning Department extended the public comment period for the proposed $850 million redevelopment of the former Carney Hospital campus in Dorchester to Monday, November 2.

Dorchester Reporter

Patty Larkin Performs Sold-Out Concert in the Courtyard at the MFA

Singer-songwriter Patty Larkin performs a sold-out acoustic set Thursday, August 27, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Museum of Fine Arts' Concerts in the Courtyard series.

Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Thursdays on the Lawn Continues JP Community Party

Neighbors gather for Jamaica Plain's weekly 'Thursdays on the Lawn' social at the Loring Greenough House Thursday, August 27, from 4 p.m. until dusk.

Loring Greenough House

Patriots Head to Cleveland for 2026 Preseason Finale on Prime Video

The New England Patriots close out their 2026 preseason Thursday, August 27, at 8 p.m. ET against the Cleveland Browns, nationally televised on Prime Video.

New England Patriots

Harvard Women's Soccer Hosts Fairfield to Close Homestand

The Harvard Crimson women's soccer team concludes its three-match season-opening homestand Thursday, August 27, at 4 p.m. against Fairfield.

Harvard Athletics

MBTA Adds Hourly Commuter Rail Service for Saint Anthony's Feast

To support Saint Anthony's Feast and Orange Line riders, the MBTA will run extra Haverhill Line Commuter Rail service between Oak Grove and North Station every hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 29-30.

MBTA