Brookline schools would see more than 200 layoffs if override fails, officials say

"That is, to me, a Brookline that is unrecognizable. I don't even know if we could operate a high school or get certified. Officials say the school district needs about $18.5 million over three years to maintain current staffing and programs. Without that funding, the district could eliminate some music and language courses, begin charging fees for after-school programs, and consolidate classrooms, pushing class sizes to as many as 30 students."

"During a recent presentation to the School Committee, administrators outlined a scenario in which 210 positions would be eliminated and services scaled back if the override fails. Brookline's schools have long been regarded as among the best in Massachusetts. This year, the district ranked number one on Niche's 2026 list of best school districts, which evaluates factors such as academics, teacher quality, and college readiness."

"School leaders have said the financial strain is due to rising costs that are outpacing the town's limited revenue growth, which is restricted by Proposition 2½. The state law caps annual property-tax increases unless voters approve an override. Brookline voters are expected to decide on the proposed override at the May 5 annual town election."

Brookline school officials have warned that the district faces severe financial consequences if voters reject a proposed property-tax override. Without approximately $18.5 million in funding over three years, the district would eliminate over 200 positions and scale back services significantly. Potential cuts include eliminating music and language courses, charging fees for after-school programs, and consolidating classrooms to accommodate up to 30 students per class. School Committee chair Valerie Frias described the resulting district as "unrecognizable" and questioned whether high school operations and certification could be maintained. Brookline's schools currently rank first among Massachusetts districts on Niche's 2026 list. The financial strain stems from rising costs exceeding limited revenue growth, constrained by Proposition 2½. Voters will decide on the override at the May 5 annual town election.

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