Brookline schools would see more than 200 layoffs if override fails, officials say

Brooklyn school officials warn that the district could face sweeping cuts — including more than 200 layoffs — over the next three years if voters reject a proposed property tax override aimed at stabilizing city and school funding.

During a Last offer To the School Committee, officials outlined a scenario in which 210 positions would be eliminated and services reduced if the override failed, according to a report a report By Brookline.News.

Officials say the school district needs about $18.5 million over three years to maintain current staff and programs. Without this funding, the district could eliminate some music and language courses, begin charging for after-school programs, consolidate classes, and increase class sizes to up to 30 students, according to the report.

“This to me is Brooklyn that is unrecognizable,” School Committee Chairwoman Valerie Frias said at Wednesday’s School Committee meeting. “I don’t even know if we can run a high school or get a degree.”

Brooklyn schools have long been considered among the best in Massachusetts. This year, the region ranked first Niche’s 2026 list of top school districtswhich evaluates factors such as academics, quality of teachers, and college readiness.

This warning comes in the wake of previous budget struggles in the region. In 2024, officials proposed laying off more than 20 employees and eliminating the initial world language program to fill the $2.4 million shortfall.

School leaders said the financial pressures are due to rising costs outpacing the city’s limited revenue growth, which is limited to Proposition 2½. State law sets a cap on annual property tax increases unless voters approve an override.

Brooklyn voters are expected to decide on the proposed override in the annual city election on May 5.

Morgan Russo is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.