BROOKLINE, MASS. (WHDH) - Brookline High School students protested layoffs of teachers and other school workers Monday, saying they need to support people who have supported them.
The students said the school board told more than 300 employees they are not guaranteed a job this fall, and said the board needs to find other ways to balance the school district’s budget.
“All educators are essential and we need every single one of them to continue coming to school, supporting us, because they do so much for us and this is just a little thing we’re doing for them,” said student Mia Pujols.
The students said the potential layoffs are threatening important programs like health and wellness and world languages.
“The programs cut are the ones at help students grow the most and help students fulfill their goals and dreams,” one student said.
The student protestors skipped school Monday and rallied in front of their high school to send encouragement to their educators.
“We have to remember that our educators are human beings and not being ensured a job for next year especially during these unprecedented times is really hard,” one student said.
According to them, it is the least they can do to help the teachers who have always helped them.
In a statement, the school committee wrote in part:
“Due to the COVID-19-induced budget crisis in the Town of Brookline, and our contractual obligations with the Brookline Educators Union (BEU) to provide notices of layoff by May 30, the Public Schools of Brookline has no choice but to provide layoff notices to some of our valued teachers and staff. We know that each notice represents an individual or family’s financial security thrown into question, and we know the worry and fear that these notices are creating for all of our educators, staff, and families.”
On Friday, May 15, the Brookline School Committee was notified at a public Town-School Partnership meeting that the Public Schools of Brookline should plan to reduce its budget for FY 2021 year by $6,300,000.
It is still unclear if school buildings will reopen in the fall or what those conditions may require in terms of staffing, supplies and materials, and services.
They said no programs have been cut as of yet.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)