Brookline Public Schools’ Curriculum Subcommittee voted to recommend a new half‑semester course at Brookline High School, Construction: A Tour Through the Trades, after a presentation describing hands‑on trade modules, VR simulation plans and partnerships with local vocational programs.

The department presented the course as an introductory, multidisciplinary “tour” of building trades designed for students who want exposure to plumbing, electrical, HVACR, masonry, tiling and carpentry. The course is being pitched as a half‑year elective that could be stacked into future pathways and could lead to postsecondary connections, the presenters said.

The course matters because the Career & Technical Education (CTE) program at Brookline High reports growing demand for sequenced pathway work: the presenters said more than 70% of seats in the high school’s elective CTE classes are occupied, with 731 students currently taking a second course in a pathway and a 65% increase in pathway enrollment over the last five years. The department frames the new offering as a way to help students who are at risk of not graduating and to create clearer workplace and credential pathways.

Ed Weiser, who the presenters identified as the teacher who would teach the course if approved, told the subcommittee the class will emphasize practical skills and cross‑trade understanding. “The main goal is to provide students with an understanding of how each trade works from building and repair to maintenance and troubleshooting and to demolition,” Weiser said, adding the class will teach technical drawing interpretation, safe handling of electrical components, plumbing installation basics and HVAC concepts.

Robin Fabiano, identified in the meeting as a staff member who will speak to student supports, said the course is part of a working‑group effort to increase belonging and graduation pathways; the group identified roughly 70–80 students each year who are off track or report a lack of belonging, and about half of those students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Fabiano said the course is one of the department’s strategies to offer alternative, credentialed pathways for students.

The presenters said the course would be largely budget neutral: most tools are already on site, the district would run fewer woodworking sections and the new construction course would use existing inventory. Any additional items — for example, VR modules the department hopes to use for safe simulated practice — would be paid for by grant funds, presenters said, and the department already receives federal Perkins funding as a vocational program.

Committee members pressed for details about scheduling and enrollment. Subcommittee member Helen (School Committee member) asked if the course is open to any student; the presenters said it will be open but the department will “strategically” work with deans to identify juniors and seniors who would most benefit. The presenters said they expect to run one to two sections initially.

Subcommittee member Jesse asked to visit the program; another member, Steven (School Committee member), asked about measures of labor market demand and geographic scope. The presenters said they obtain regional labor market data through MassHire and maintain advisory committees; they also reported active outreach to local vocational partners including Franklin Cummings Tech and to Pierce School project staff for possible fieldwork or co‑op connections.

The subcommittee voted to recommend that the full school committee adopt the course. The motion to start the course was made and seconded during the meeting; the recorded votes in the meeting were yes from Helen, Steven, Jesse and the presiding member, and the outcome was recorded as approved.

If the full committee approves the subcommittee recommendation, the department said it will monitor demand and consider a follow‑on advanced or year‑long course based on student interest and enrollment.

The department also emphasized safety and career skills: classroom work would include health and safety practices, teamwork and entrepreneurship elements, plus guest speakers and job‑site visits. The presenters described the course as intended for students “who enjoy hands‑on learning, problem solving, and want to gain foundational skills across the trades,” and they underscored that the course is not meant to replace traditional vocational school placements but to expand on‑site trade exposure.

Votes at a glance: Motion to start “Construction: A Tour Through the Trades” — mover: Helen (School Committee member); second: Jesse (School Committee member); vote: yes — recorded yes votes: Helen; Steven; Jesse; presiding member (recorded as “I vote yes as well” in the transcript); outcome: approved.