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Brookline School Committee votes to opt out of state school-choice for 2026'27
Summary
After questions about state per-student compensation and special-education costs, the committee voted to not participate in the state school-choice program for the 2026'27 school year following a publicized hearing and roll-call vote.
The Brookline School Committee voted on May 13 to not participate in the state's school-choice program for the 2026'27 school year.
Committee members discussed the policy during the meeting and noted long-standing concerns about the per-student compensation provided under state law. The chair explained the statute defaults districts into participation unless a committee votes otherwise by June 1. Several members said the current reimbursement—described in committee remarks as roughly $5,000 per student—has not kept pace with inflation and does not cover students who require significant supports.
Committee member Jesse Hefter moved the motion to not participate; members asked clarifying questions about the ballot timing and program structure before the roll-call. The committee completed a roll-call and approved non-participation for 2026'27.
Committee remarks emphasized that the decision reflects both fiscal and programmatic considerations, including the district's capacity to serve students with higher support needs and the adequacy of state compensation.
