Central to the discussion was the budget’s impact on educational programs, particularly the proposed cuts to the Brookline Conservatory music program, which currently offers instruction twice a week. Community members argued that reducing music instruction would not only diminish the quality of music education but also disproportionately affect low-income students who rely on school programs for access to music lessons. Concerns were raised about the social and emotional learning opportunities that could be lost if these programs were scaled back. The potential impacts on equity and inclusion were highlighted, with speakers urging the committee to reconsider any proposals that would dismantle vital performing arts programs at Brookline High School.

The meeting also delved into the implications of restructuring the K-8 curriculum coordinators and the Office of Student Services. A proposal suggested reducing four curriculum coordinator positions to two director-level roles, which sparked concerns about the added responsibilities and potential decline in educational support quality. Discussions about the Office of Student Services highlighted the challenges of balancing budget constraints with the need to provide adequate support for students with disabilities, particularly in light of recent leadership changes and allegations of financial mismanagement.

Public comments were marked by a strong call for transparency and accountability from the administration. Speakers criticized the perceived prioritization of administrative roles over classroom positions, with parents and teachers expressing dissatisfaction with how budget decisions have been communicated and handled. Concerns about overcrowded classrooms, particularly for second grade at FFR School and fourth grade at Riso, were echoed by both parents and teachers, who warned of the negative impacts on student learning and safety.

Superintendent Linus J. Guillory Jr. addressed these concerns by providing an overview of the proposed budget for FY 26, which included programmatic changes and staff reductions to address the deficit. He acknowledged the difficulty of making such recommendations, emphasizing the administration’s efforts to minimize impacts on staff and students while still addressing the structural challenges facing the district.

The committee also discussed potential strategies to optimize operations, such as restructuring the food services to include a hybrid model of district employees and contracted workers. However, concerns about the effectiveness and implications of such models were raised, reflecting past experiences with fully outsourced services that did not yield satisfactory results.

Further discussions centered around the materials fee program and the proposed adjustments to align fees with the rate received for METCO students. The committee explored various budget adjustments, including a proposed reduction in general supplies and services by $400,000.

The meeting also touched on the potential closure of the Brookline Adult and Community Education (BAS) program due to its persistent financial deficit. Discussions highlighted the program’s unsustainable financial situation and the need to explore alternative funding solutions to prevent its closure from impacting K-12 education funding.