Others have noted, it is early in the FY26 budget process, and the $6 million Brookline public schools deficit is tentative. Having been through 19 budget cycles as head of Brookline High School from 1992-2011, I experienced almost yearly budget reductions. My budget mantra was consistent: “Reasonable class size” is the number one priority! Teaching reasonable numbers of students gives our teachers the best chance to be successful. Reasonable class size offers the best academic and social/emotional return on our investment. I was happy to see that in the FY25 budget, BHS received significant additional teacher full-time equivalent’s to lower its class sizes which had ballooned in previous years. So here we are approaching FY26. If indeed, reductions must be made, we must protect class sizes in our schools. Where to look for reductions — central office! Since I retired from Brookline public schools in 2011, the central office has grown with 10 new positions at an annual cost of $1,172,000! Knowing the research, I am very skeptical of the impact of this dramatically increased central office on student achievement and well-being. If we have to cut, begin at the central office. Protect the teachers and school leaders. They are closest to our students!
Robert Weintraub served for 19 years as headmaster of Brookline High School and is a Town Meeting member in Precinct 9.
Read the original article, Brookline schools facing $6m budget deficit