Brookline educators, union leaders and residents urge Select Board to shield schools from proposed cuts and privatization

Residents, teachers and union representatives used the Select Board’s public-comment period on March 5 to urge town leaders to protect school programs, oppose privatization of school-support jobs and find alternatives to across-the-board cuts.

The speakers said proposed reductions would disproportionately harm students who rely on small classes, paraprofessionals, math and literacy specialists, counseling and special-education supports. They also said privatizing custodial and cafeteria positions would cost workers dearly and undercut continuity of service in schools.

“I ask as you make these grown-up town decisions that you keep at the forefront the question, what is in the best interest of the children?” said Daniel Lipton, a second-grade teacher and Brookline resident, who opened public comments by describing the effects of cuts on classroom music, small-group instruction and students’ day-to-day school experience.

Nut graf: The comments came as the town and schools face a…