16:55The meeting’s most urgent topic was the proposed adjustment to the financial structure of the Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP). The committee considered a 5% increase in tuition fees. The BEEP program’s current enrollment includes 283 students, with a mix of full Individualized Education Program (IEP) students, tuition-paying students, and those receiving financial assistance. The proposed fee change comes amidst concerns about the program’s capacity to accommodate its current student body without incurring significant deficits.

47:11In discussions, committee members examined the implications of a fee increase on families, with some advocating for an 8% hike to cover both direct and indirect costs comprehensively. The tuition for the extended day program was another focal point, with suggestions to raise the monthly fee to $1,000 from the current rate. Concerns about the potential for financial strain on families were raised, though it was noted that the proposed increase would later be reviewed by the full committee.

16:55Debate ensued on maintaining a balance between the number of financial aid slots available and the program’s financial health, with a suggestion to reduce these slots by five. The financial aid expansion had already seen an increase from 20 to 40 spots, which had been filled nearly to capacity. Despite the proposed fee hikes, the program is not self-sustaining and continues to rely on the district’s operating budget. The estimated total cost of operating BEEP stands at approximately $9.5 million, necessitating careful financial planning to ensure its ongoing viability.

1:02:54Shifting to governance concerns, the committee explored the need for a management audit to address perceived deficiencies in the district’s management practices. This discussion arose from a broader conversation on the allocation of charges within the Office of Special Services and the accurate depiction of special education expenses. The committee considered whether the current auditing firm, Powers and Sullivan, could undertake such an audit, with opinions suggesting a management-focused approach rather than a traditional financial audit.

The proposal to seek a management audit stems from an identified lack of clarity and confidence in existing management practices, which some members believe might obscure financial realities within the district. The audit aims to provide insights into operational procedures and financial sustainability, particularly concerning special education funding and service delivery. There was a consensus on proceeding with this approach to enhance transparency and accountability, with the audit expected to provide recommendations based on a thorough evaluation of the district’s financial practices.

1:49:46In another critical discussion, the committee addressed salary adjustments for school principals. The analysis revealed discrepancies in salaries, with Brookline’s high school principal earning slightly above average, while the middle school principal’s salary was below the average of comparable districts. To maintain competitive parity, the committee recommended raising salary ranges for pre-K through eighth-grade principals to between $160,000 and $170,000 and for the high school principal to between $185,000 and $195,000. The proposed salary adjustments were based on a 2.75% cost of living increase, with an estimated total budget impact of approximately $104,000.

Acknowledging the different workloads and responsibilities across positions, the committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that administrators earn more than those they supervise. The proposal received support and will be forwarded to the full school committee for final approval.