The meeting’s primary focus was on food insecurity at Brookline High School (BHS), with a student representative highlighting the absence of a program equivalent to Brookline Thrives, which provides weekend meals for K-8 students. Ariel Chernin from the Brookline Food Pantry shared that a new initiative targets high school students to bridge this gap. The pantry’s strategy includes partnerships with BHS programs like Steps to Success, Ace, and Excel, allowing them to tailor food offerings to each program’s specific needs. For example, Steps to Success students have the option to take home food for meal preparation, while Excel students, benefiting from a grant, can utilize a full kitchen to cook meals during school hours. Despite the availability of free school meals, some students continue to experience hunger due to various factors, including unsuitable timing or menu preferences.

The committee engaged with Chernin to clarify that Brookline Thrives does not extend its services to the high school level, emphasizing the importance of the pantry’s new initiative. The dialogue underscored the necessity of addressing high school students’ unique challenges in accessing food and the discomfort some might feel when collecting food from locations where peers volunteer.

Another important topic was the mental health and well-being of students, driven by a presentation from Dr. Matthew Duah, assistant director of guidance clinical services and social-emotional learning. Dr. Duah highlighted the role of universal screening in assessing students’ social and emotional development, focusing on areas like school belonging and supportive relationships. He pointed out that optimal stress levels can enhance learning, while excessive stress can impede it. School belonging was identified as a protective factor against stress, with data showing positive trends in school belonging scores over recent years.

However, disparities based on race, ethnicity, and other factors were acknowledged, particularly as students transition to middle and high school. The committee discussed the need for targeted support, especially for students in special education or English language programs, to address these discrepancies.

The meeting also featured updates on the innovative ninth-grade physics project at BHS, where students engaged in hands-on learning by designing circuits to light holiday bulbs. This project, emphasized by teachers Ed Weiser, Julia Magnet, and Jennifer Spencer, was noted for fostering teamwork and creativity, allowing students to experiment with different materials and configurations. The project aligned with state standards and reinforced engineering concepts, contributing to students outperforming state averages in understanding circuits. Community support, particularly through the Innovation Fund, was recognized as essential for sustaining such projects.

Further discussions included updates on strategic planning and community engagement sessions. The committee outlined the strategic planning process, emphasizing the need for quality instruction and minimizing distractions for educators. Community input was deemed vital, with various sessions scheduled to ensure diverse voices are included in shaping the district’s future.

The introduction of Dr. Susan Given as a candidate for the Deputy Superintendent of Administration and Finance introduced a shift in focus to district administration. Dr. Given’s extensive background in financial administration and her commitment to aligning financial resources with educational goals were highlighted. Her potential transition into the role was discussed, emphasizing her ability to navigate financial challenges without compromising educational quality.