14:56Her narrative highlighted a journey from aspiring doctor to lawyer, and eventually to educator, driven by her passion for teaching and advocating for accessible public school choice. Wong emphasized her commitment to educational equity, discussing strategies for addressing academic and opportunity gaps, and advocating for heterogeneous learning environments that cater to individual student needs.

21:45Wong’s vision for the district includes restructuring the leadership team by conducting entry interviews with existing personnel to identify strengths and weaknesses. She underscored the importance of reflective leadership and the ability to nurture and model learning behaviors. Wong also addressed the potential Proposition 2½ override in 2026, drawing on her experiences with similar financial initiatives in other districts to emphasize the necessity of community trust and well-prepared campaigns.

The committee engaged in a thorough discussion about Wong’s qualifications, noting her calm demeanor, law background, and strong personal connection to Brookline. Committee members expressed appreciation for her approach to using assessments and surveys to understand students and her effective communication during budget challenges in previous roles. Her emphasis on maintaining strong relationships with state legislators and seeking operational efficiencies within the district was also highlighted.

31:47Fiscal challenges were a major topic of discussion, with Wong addressing the persistent issue of inadequate funding, particularly in light of the loss of COVID-related grants. She advocated for a multifaceted approach to financial management, including operational efficiencies and strong advocacy with state legislators. Wong acknowledged the importance of maintaining transparency in financial discussions and highlighted the necessity of ongoing communication about budget adjustments and changing student demographics.

40:41The meeting also touched on the significance of fine and performing arts, as well as career and technical education. Wong advocated for a comprehensive array of courses that allow students to pursue mastery in these areas, stressing the importance of maintaining these programs even amid fiscal constraints. She recalled personal experiences with music education in public schools and emphasized the role of the arts in fostering student growth and expression.

49:22The committee also addressed the recruitment and retention of educators of color, with Wong emphasizing the importance of providing support through mentoring and affinity groups. She highlighted the necessity of building a network of contacts to identify strong candidates and conducting “stay conversations” to ensure staff members feel supported and valued.

02:07:15As the discussion concluded, the committee expressed gratitude for the candidates’ passion for education and their commitment to students, acknowledging the challenging decision they faced. A motion to appoint Bella Wong as interim superintendent was made and received unanimous support from committee members. The committee planned a follow-up meeting to address contract details and formally notify the other candidates.