Brookline Educators Union Implore Town To Reverse Job Cuts

BROOKLINE, MA -- Brookline educators taped the names of 8,635 people to the outside of Town Hall ahead of the final night of Brookline's Town Meeting, where legislators were approved the Town budget with two hours to spare. The names on those page represent those who have signed an online petition calling for a reversal of job cuts in the school department, according to the teachers' union.

Earlier this Spring, some 300 teachers were sent pink slips, as the School Department struggled to balance a budget that was further beset by the promise of less state aid amid the pandemic. Last week, outgoing Interim Superintendent Ben Lummis said all but 10 teachers were being called back. But, he did say that several positions were being let go. Tuesday night Mary Ellen Dunn said the total number was 40.

But president of the teachers union, Jessica Wender-Shubow, said there are about three dozen paraprofessionals in limbo and more than 10 teachers, including partial job cuts, which are also layoffs. Wender-Shubow said the district was violating educator rights to information by not sending updates.

"The job status of dozens of Brookline educators remains unresolved as Brookline Town Meeting is in session discussing the school budget," she said.

On June 25 when asked what the district might do with funds, should the town decide to reallocate money from the police department, Lummis told the Town Meeting that since the budget was now balanced, he would support extra funds going to a reserve, predicting that the economic downturn would mean the district would likely need the help even next year.

Wender-Shubow said she can think of a more immediate use.

"Reserves are rainy day funds, and our schools are clearly in the middle of a hurricane that calls for more educators not fewer," she said in a statement. "The 8635 signatures clearly show that the community wants educators in place to support our students first and foremost."

The chair of the school committee did not return requests for comment Tuesday evening.

Patch will update.

Read more:

• Brookline Teachers Union To Hold Rolling Rally From ...
• Brookline School District Layoffs Prompt Demonstrations
• School District Message Regarding Layoff ...
• Brookline Lays Off Teachers, Staff As Town Revenue ...

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.