Brookline School Committee News
January 12, 2026
January 8, 2026
The School Committee met on January 8, 2026. Superintendent Wong shared news that the High School’s accreditation, through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, has been renewed. NEASC’s letter, which followed a review of the Decennial Accreditation Report, described the impressive progress that the High School has made in meeting accreditation standards including areas such as campus safety; effective instructional leadership at the school and department level; an excellent physical environment for learning and the necessary equipment, resources and materials to support high-quality education; and ample opportunities for students to take charge of their own learning and pursue other interests through their elective courses, clubs, sports, and after-school activities.
Dr. Robin Benoit, Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, provided an overview of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) District Review, which is scheduled for late March. This is a mandated review under state law; a handful of districts are selected each year. The review process will focus on examining district systems, policies and practices in many important areas, and is expected to be a helpful tool to inform district planning and prioritization. The DESE written report, which will identify strengths and areas for growth, is expected 3-6 months following their visit. Click here for the video presentation.
The School Committee approved Superintendent Wong's proposal to offer a one-time retirement incentive for Brookline Educators Union (BEU) Unit A members. Unit A members include most PSB educators such as classroom teachers, special education teachers, specialists, nurses, librarians, and others. Superintendent Wong described the rationale for the one-time incentive, which is expected to involve a handful of educators (estimated to be approximately five to ten).
December 18, 2025
Department of Public Works Commissioner Erin Chute and Deputy Director of DPW’s Sustainability Program Shelly Dein joined the meeting to present the Town’s Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap and a new Fleet Management Policy. The School Committee approved both items which, combined with previous approval from the Select Board, enables the Town to apply to the Office of Energy Resources for grant funding to support building and fleet decarbonization projects. Click here to watch the DPW’s presentation.
The School Committee approved a new Competency Determination Policy for high school students; this followed a First Reading at the December 4 meeting. The competency determination (CD) policy is a requirement from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and is part of the High School graduation requirements. The new CD replaces the use of the MCAS exams to show mastery of the common core of skills, competency, and knowledge in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks.
At Superintendent Wong's request, the School Committee approved the appointment of Dr. Robin Benoit as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. Dr. Benoit was originally appointed as Interim Deputy Superintendent in July. In reaching their decision, the Committee emphasized the importance of stability and continuity in the senior leadership team, and expressed their confidence in Dr. Benoit’s leadership and their enthusiasm for continued collaboration with her in the years to come.
As part of the FY27 budget development process, and to answer requests from the Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee, Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Finance Dr. Susan Givens provided an expenditure projection report (spreadsheet, slide presentation). The presentation provided a preview of the district’s budget request for the upcoming year. Following the approved budget development calendar, the detailed FY27 Initial Budget Request will be presented at the February 5 meeting. Staff continue to closely monitor the Town budget allocation process and will adjust projections once the Town provides an FY27 allocation or an updated long-range forecast. Click here to watch the budget forecast presentation.
December 4, 2025
The Brookline Music School (BMS) presented plans to expand their recital hall, which the School Committee unanimously approved. By enclosing a porch, the project will increase the size of their recital hall by over 400 square feet. The larger performance space will better meet the needs of the community. The BMS has a long-term lease with the school district for their building at 25 Kennard Road, adjacent to the Lincoln School.
Superintendent Wong proudly introduced the honorees for the annual Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Award. The awards were presented to three Brookline High School seniors who have distinguished themselves from their peers: Aliana Beatrix, Aaliyah Lacen, and Aiden Sullivan. Each of the honorees has demonstrated their academic potential and integrity, and their selection for this award also recognizes the determination and strength of character they have exhibited as Brookline students. Click here to watch the award presentations.
The majority of the December 4 meeting focused on a comprehensive presentation of the Office of Student Services (OSS), led by Dr. Karen Shmukler, Interim OSS Deputy Superintendent. A wide array of services fall under the OSS umbrella including special education, counseling and social work, nursing, and support for Brookline students in out-of-district schools. The comprehensive services offered to our students through OSS are a large part of the district’s programming, and a large part of the district's budget. Please click here to watch the presentation to learn more.
The School Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, January 22; Thursday, February 5; and Thursday, February 12. Agendas for all meetings will be posted no later than 48-hours before each meeting on the Town’s agenda center and available on the School Committee’s meeting materials page. Regular School Committee meetings are streamed live through Brookline Interactive Group.
The Superintendent’s FY27 Initial Budget Request is expected to be shared at the February 5 meeting.
The annual public hearing for the FY27 budget will be held during the February 12 meeting.
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