Brookline Select Board Approves New Language Access Plan

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Brookline Select Board made strides towards inclusivity, with a focus on the adoption of a language access plan designed to facilitate communication between the town’s diverse population and its government. This plan, a key topic of the meeting, aims to provide equitable access to public information and services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals. The plan includes translation of critical documents and interpretation services for public meetings, both in-person and virtually, with an emphasis on the use of bilingual staff and department liaisons to address specific language needs.

Brookline Select Board Advances Public Health and Safety Initiatives

Overview: In a recent Brookline Select Board meeting, strides were made towards enhancing public health and safety initiatives, including the establishment of a revolving fund for vaccines, addressing rodent control efforts, and discussing the potential removal of the police department from the provisions of Civil Service laws. The meeting also highlighted the Health and Human Services Department’s budget and projects, the Building Department’s advancement in electrification and capital improvements, and the community’s engagement in public services.

Brookline School Committee Advances Unified Sports Program

Overview: The Brookline School Committee recently discussed a range of topics concerning the school district’s operations and programs, with the expansion of the Unified sports program at Brookline High School (BHS) being a highlight. The program, which successfully piloted unified basketball in the fall of 2023, has received commendation for promoting inclusion and community within the school. Plans to add unified track and field and unified bocce to the roster were met with positive feedback, as the committee recognized the importance of such initiatives in breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive environment for all students.

Brookline Select Board Approves New Recreation Director

Overview: The Brookline Select Board’s recent meeting was marked by the approval of Tim David as the new Recreation Director, a position critical to the town’s community services and activities. This key appointment, subject to approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission and the completion of background checks, was a highlight in a session that included discussions on affordable housing, departmental budgets, anti-Semitic incidents, and police department updates.

Brookline Committee Entangled in Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Debate

Overview: The Brookline Advisory Committee recently convened to deliberate over Warrant Article 19, which proposed support for a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting witnessed a debate on the resolution’s language and implications, revealing deep community divisions over the town’s role in international affairs and the impact of the conflict on local dynamics.