Dear BHS Community,
We write regarding the budget process for the 2025-2026 school year.
As you may already be aware, the School Committee, district administration, and the leadership teams from individual schools across town currently are working to close a gap of roughly 8 million dollars.
In simple terms, as we understand this complex situation, there is not enough funding from town revenue to cover the proposed expenses for the coming school year.
As a result, a number of cuts to school programming and personnel have been proposed, including a number of proposals that would directly impact BHS.
Given the non-partisan role of the PTO, the PTO does not intend to weigh in about the merits of any of those recommendations.
That said, one of the core missions of the PTO is to strengthen communication between school and home. Therefore, we are writing to you to raise awareness of the budget process and to encourage you to be informed and involved.
According to the FY26 Budget Calendar, which is found on page 5 of the Public Schools of Brookline FY26 Initial Budget Request, the School Committee is currently deliberating the initial budget, and is scheduled to meet on March 5th (finance subcommittee) and March 6th.
The Budget Calendar also states that the School Committee will vote on the final budget request on March 20, 2025.
Please do not miss the opportunity to hear, learn and participate in this important process.
It is inevitable that BHS will be impacted by this process. Although difficult decisions must be made, your questions, ideas and input can help ensure that the town’s decisions are thoughtful and in the best interests of the students and our community.
The Brookline High School community benefits from engaged and committed families and caregivers who value the range of opportunities and supports available to our students.
We know that because of your steadfast support of the PTO. We encourage you to engage in thoughtful and civil discourse as we move forward with this year’s budget process.
Our community will surely benefit if you take the time to gather information and share your views.
Very truly yours,
Ayanna McPhail & Jeff Rudolph & Chris Kaczmarek
BHS PTO Co-Presidents
copresidents@bhs-pto.org