The public comment session opened with concerns about the proposed reduction of special education roles, particularly within the Adaptive Learning Center (ALC) at Lincoln School. Emily Jaffy, chair of the Brookline Special Education Parent Advisory Council, opposed cuts that would eliminate key learning center teachers, highlighting the need for specialized support for students with complex needs. Jaffy warned that larger class sizes could lead to scenarios where developmental appropriateness is compromised, urging the committee to reconsider the cuts. Her plea was echoed by Dr. Gillery, who relayed that there was a recommendation to reinstate the third ALC classroom.

The potential reduction of custodial staff also drew attention. Jim Durkin, representing the custodial union, strongly opposed the plan to replace 17 union custodians with contract cleaners, arguing that it would degrade the quality of custodial services and disrupt the school environment. The proposed shift to a hybrid model, which would increase outsourced positions while maintaining some in-house staff, was met with skepticism. Concerns about the reliability of projected savings and the potential disruption to school operations were raised, with committee members questioning whether the financial benefits justified the changes.

A motion to pause the hiring of new custodial positions and maintain the current staffing model was ultimately supported.

Discussions also delved into the impact of proposed cuts on Brookline High School, where leadership expressed concern over reductions in the Office of Student Services (OSS). The high school faced potential staffing challenges amidst an anticipated enrollment decline, with plans to reduce 2.4 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions within the OSS. This move was projected to strain student support services, particularly as the number of ninth graders with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) was set to increase. The leadership team highlighted the importance of thoughtful decision-making to navigate these challenges without compromising the quality of support available to students.

The committee explored the financial implications of these cuts, noting an overall reduction of 3.0 FTE positions due to declining enrollment. The conversation revealed ongoing efforts to manage staffing changes primarily through attrition. The potential impact on specialized programs, such as the ACE program, was also a focal point, with concerns about maintaining small class sizes and personalized instruction for high-needs students.

Further scrutiny was placed on transportation policies and their financial impact. A proposal to reduce the number of K-8 buses aimed to save approximately $200,000, although it would consolidate routes and eliminate transportation for some students, such as those in after-school programs. The revised transportation plan maintained service for Brookline High School, aligning with the district’s policy to transport students living more than 1.5 miles from their assigned schools. The committee weighed the potential savings against the impact on student access.

The meeting concluded with discussions on technology and building maintenance budgets. The committee approved a motion to allocate $183,184 in savings from the IT budget, while maintaining level funding for building maintenance.