Frequently Asked Questions

The Brookline School Committee understands that the Brookline community has many questions about the status of negotiations and the implications of the BEU’s planned strike beginning on Monday, May 16. We have put together the document below to answer those questions.

If your questions are not answered below, we encourage you to reach out to your principal for school- or student-specific questions, or to us (FAQ authors and School Committee members steven_ehrenberg@psbma.org, nancy_gorer@psbma.org, and mariah_nobrega@psbma.org). We will add to the FAQs as more information becomes available.

Please know that we cannot answer questions about individual students (again, reach out to your principal) or provide details about ongoing negotiations with the BEU beyond the official School Committee statements. Recent statements can be found here.

Latest Updates

Schools closed Monday May 16
State mediation scheduled for Monday afternoon/evening

Official Statements

School buildings and services

Q: Will school be offered on Monday, May 16?

No. Teachers will be on strike.

Q: Will students be expected to cross a picket line?

No. Students will not be asked to cross a picket line.

Q: Will school buildings be open?

Starting Tuesday, if the strike is not resolved, school buildings will be open to previously-scheduled after school activities with the permission of the principal/building leader. This includes programs that do not require teacher supervision or support such as extended day programs, enrichment programs, drama or music activities, Brookline Adult and Continuing Education (BACE Monday activities will occur as well), and other previously-scheduled programs that use the building. Program directors/coordinators must speak with the building leader to secure this permission.

Caregivers: please see next question for information about which after school activities are operating.

Q: Will after school activities (extended days, enrichment programs, drama or music activities, Brookline Adult and Continuing Education, other programs using the school buildings) be operating?

BEEP Extended Day programs at Beacon, Putterham and Lynch are open at their usual after school time (12:15 to 5:45) and have communicated directly with caregivers by email.

For all other programs: please consult with the program director/coordinator for clarification of whether the program will be running.

Q: Are there childcare resources for families who need it?

PTOs are coordinating childcare support. You can reach out to your school PTO to learn about volunteering for or receiving caregiving services.

Q: How will a strike impact sports? Will teams be able to compete; will buses be available for away games; can captains hold practices; can parents volunteer to coach on an interim basis?

K-8: school sports will not operate.
High school: there will be no games or competitions on Monday 5/16. Individual coaches will be in touch with players regarding practices and games moving forward.

Q: Will School Lunches be provided?

The Public Schools of Brookline is partnering with Brookline Thrives to offer Free lunch to students. Click here to access the times and list of locations.

School year

Q: Will the school year be extended in the event of a strike?

Yes. Any days for which PSB is closed due to a strike will be made up in June, up until June 30, when DESE stipulates that the school year must end. If needed, make-up hours will be scheduled outside of normal school days/hours.

Q: Are days that teachers strike counted as a school day?

No. If PSB cannot provide education to students, DESE will not count the day as a school day.

Q: How will this impact PSB end-of-year events, such as graduation and senior prom?

We will provide more information on end-of-year events as it becomes available.

Q: How does a strike affect tuition-paying BEEP families, who pay tuition?

BEEP families will have the school year extended.

Educational services and student well-being

Q: How will a strike impact tests and exams, including MCAS and AP exams?

MCAS exams scheduled for this week will be rescheduled. Information on other tests and exams will be made available as needed going forward.

Q: How will a strike affect students with IEPs and 504s? Will PSB make up mandated hours and services for those students?

PSB must provide these hours and services and they will be provided on the make-up days. Compensatory services may apply, as in any year, and will be scheduled as needed.

Q: Will out-of-district transportation be provided?

Yes. Out-of-district transportation will be provided as usual.

Q: This is upsetting for my children. How can I talk with them about what is happening?

In general, situations that involve conflict can result in children feeling confused, angry, fearful, and sad. As children ask questions about the strike, encourage them to talk about their feelings. And as they do, validate what they are experiencing (e.g., “It makes sense that you feel that way.”).

Given the uncertainty of the moment, children will likely ask a variety of questions. Talking about the strike in developmentally-appropriate language and in a way that avoids blame is important. Below we offer some suggestions for talking to your child(ren) about the strike.

Some children might need help understanding what a strike is. Using children’s previous experiences with conflict might be helpful. For example, caregivers might offer to children that teachers and the school committee are having trouble agreeing on rules. Because of this disagreement, teachers have decided to strike, or stop working, until they agree on the rules.
Let children know that strike is not their fault. The decision to strike is not because their teachers/trusted adults don’t want to teach/support them, but because there is a disagreement with the rules/their contract. Relatedly, if children express anger and frustration about their teachers/supportive adults, remind them their teachers/supportive adults care deeply about them.
For younger students, sometimes less is more. Just as in a conflict between adults at home, it’s best not to allow children to be in the middle of the details. Consider saying something like, “The adults are having a disagreement right now. It’s important to know that you didn’t cause this and that no one is upset with you. Your teachers love you. The adults are trying to work it out, and I hope they will soon, but in the meantime, this is our plan as a family.” Then, explain how the day will go. This offers students reassurance that they are not at fault, and helps them see that their grown-ups are going to take care of them no matter what.
For older students, you might need to offer more context. You can explain that even when adults want the same thing (in this case a fantastic school experience for kids) sometimes they can’t agree on what that looks like or how to get there. Offer as much detail as you feel appropriate beyond that.
For middle school students, you might consider using this as an opportunity to have conversations about several complex issues, including Brookline Town Government (Town Meeting, Select Board, School Committee and the responsibilities of each), Proposition 2 ½, Contract Law, and the history of strikes and labor movements.
Acknowledge and be honest about the uncertainty of the moment. When children ask when the strike will end, let them know that you’re not sure, but that people are working really hard to end it. If children ask who is at fault for the disagreement or strike (or who is “right”), remind them that their teachers/the BEU and the School Committee are both working hard to make school a great place for them and their peers to learn.
Be honest about your own stress. You are likely having a lot of feelings about what is unfolding, and it can be important to say that to your child, so they don’t think you are upset with them. Examples might include: “You may see me stressed today and it's because I have to work, I need to know you're safe, I want you to be in school and I want fair schools for you.” or “Sometimes grown-ups don’t agree on things, and it can be uncomfortable for everyone. My job right now is to make sure you’re safe, and I’m going to do that, even if I seem upset.”