Brookline Select Board Approves Licenses Amidst Noise and Safety Concerns

Overview: In a recent Brookline Select Board meeting, members voted to approve a series of licenses for the new Iris Hotel, including an all alcoholic beverages license and entertainment license, despite concerns raised by the public and some board members about potential noise and the management’s capacity to handle operations. The approvals were granted with the inclusion of conditions aimed at addressing these concerns, such as restricting entertainment to indoor areas only and ensuring on-site management availability 24/7.

Brookline School Committee Grapples with Class Size Policy and Building Use

Overview: In a recent Brookline School Committee meeting, one notable issue discussed was the proposed language changes to the class size policy and its implications for the upcoming school year. The committee debated at length the maximum number of students per classroom, the role of school site councils in the budgeting process, and the flexibility needed for school leaders to make informed decisions. Additionally, concerns were raised about the language in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Select Board regarding the use of a building for after-school activities, with some members calling for a more comprehensive language to ensure the safety and accessibility of school spaces for students.

Brookline School Committee Advances MOU for Pierce Middle School Relocation

Overview: The Brookline School Committee discussed a series of significant school projects and plans during their recent meeting. The focal point was the deliberation of a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the utilization of the Newbury campus to house Pierce Middle School amidst its construction phase. This discussion highlighted concerns over language that could limit after-school programming and the use of the loading dock.

Brookline Select Board Tackles Town’s Financial Forecast and Community Priorities

Overview: In a recent Brookline Select Board meeting, discussions centered around the town’s financial projections, with a focus on addressing a projected budget gap of $38-49 million over the next five years. The board considered strategies to minimize the impact on both the operating budget and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), emphasizing the need to prioritize initiatives and conduct economic impact studies for future projects. The financial theme continued with debates on the town’s reserve policies and the allocation of funds, including potential adjustments to meet desired reserve levels and their effect on the town’s bond rating and interest costs. Additionally, the board discussed the need for strategic planning to guide budgetary decisions, the impact of ARPA funds, and the potential renegotiation of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements to benefit the community.

Brookline School Committee Selects New ELA Curriculum for K-8

Overview: In an effort to enhance the educational framework for English Language Arts (ELA), the Brookline School Committee has selected a new ELA curriculum for grades K through 8. The decision was the culmination of a review process that centered on aligning the curriculum with College and Career Ready Standards and providing high-quality instructional resources to students. The committee members were presented with three curriculum options: ARCore, EL Education, and Fish Tank, and after thorough consideration, they unanimously chose to move forward with these options.