School Board discusses funding challenges for BEEP early childhood program

The Brookline Select Board meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on significant discussions regarding the Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) and its financial implications for families and the school budget.

During the meeting, officials addressed the expected increase of 64 new students in the program, with 27 of those anticipated to enroll in BEEP. However, concerns were raised about the program's sustainability, particularly in light of a recent 19% tuition hike for families utilizing extended day services. This increase has sparked worries about affordability for parents and its potential impact on enrollment.

BEEP is designed to provide early childhood education, especially for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. A significant portion of the program is mandated, meaning that the school cannot charge tuition for these students. As a result, BEEP does not operate as a self-funding program, as many of its costs are tied to these required services.

Officials clarified that while some students in the program pay tuition, those on IEPs do not, and the school district receives federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant. However, this funding does not specifically cover early childhood expenses, which raises questions about the overall financial sustainability of BEEP.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by the program in balancing the need for quality early education with the financial burdens placed on families. As the Select Board continues to evaluate BEEP's structure and funding, the implications of the tuition increase and the program's reliance on state and federal support remain critical topics for future meetings.