Meeting report · Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board Minutes-only
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Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School Board — May 13, 2026
The meeting saw a high volume of public testimony and strong community opposition regarding proposed staffing cuts in the music department.
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Summary
AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.
During the May 13 Hollis/Brookline School Board meeting, a major transparency issue emerged regarding how the board handles controversial topics. While the public agenda promised a general presentation on enrollment and class size, the discussion pivoted sharply to a high-stakes proposal: cutting the Band Director position due to declining music enrollment.
This specific, controversial topic was not listed on the public agenda, meaning residents were not given the opportunity to prepare for or specifically attend a meeting regarding the future of the music program. Despite a massive turnout of community members, students, and alumni who testified against these cuts, the administration is still moving forward with plans to 'right-size' staffing through attrition.
In addition to the music program controversy, the Board also voted 6-0 to approve a Senior Class Trip to Maine, an item that was not included on the published agenda. When the Board discusses and votes on substantive items that residents haven't been notified about in advance, it undermines the community's ability to participate in the governance of our schools.
❝ Notable statements
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Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed
Reduction of a specialized band director position and potential changes to class size minimums.
What happened
The board accepted the first reading of a new class size policy and moved to form a sub-committee to investigate the performing arts program.
What's next
The Policy Committee will review changes to Policy IIB, and a sub-committee will explore performing arts enrollment and the Program of Studies.
What was discussed
Increase from $1.75 to $2.00
What happened
The board approved the price increase in a 6-0 vote.
Topics discussed
Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Holly Deurloo Babcock, Gina Bergskaug, Jacob Hess
What was discussed
The administration presented data regarding declining music enrollment and the resulting need to reduce staffing and tighten class size policies.
What happened
The administration proposed 'right-sizing' staff through attrition and adjusting the Program of Studies to address low enrollment.
What's next
The Board will discuss potential changes to the current class size policy later in the meeting.
Speakers: Brad Smith, Brendan LaFlame, Bonnie Bruno, Miss Shapiro, Katie Marino, Sabrina Ricks, Miss Barchard, Miss Bower, Male Speaker, Mr. Goodwin, Julie Desmarais, Female Speaker, Rebecca Shaw, Miss Roger, Vanessa, Miranda Bergeron, Natalie, Chloe Martell, Jacob Cole, Abby Pertelli-Carr, Katrine Dickau, Karen Belmonte, John Ricks, Rod Ferland, Sid Harris, Cassie Ricks
What was discussed
A large number of community members, students, and alumni provided testimony regarding the impact of cutting the band director position.
What happened
The Board listened to the testimony without formal response during the session.
What's next
The Board members expressed a desire to revisit the decisions based on the input provided.
Speakers: Jacob Hess, Patrick West
What was discussed
Principals provided updates on sports standings, successful student trips, and middle school enrollment/testing data.
What happened
The Board received the reports and congratulated various students and staff.
Speakers: Gina Bergskaug
What was discussed
The Superintendent reviewed the district's financial standing, noting significant savings in several areas and overruns in vocational programming.
What happened
The projected fund balance is expected to be approximately $662,436.
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Music Program Staffing Reductions
The administration proposed reducing staffing levels, specifically the band director position, due to declining enrollment. This is contested by community members, students, and alumni who argue it compromises educational quality, mental health support, and the district's reputation.
Board position: The administration proposed 'right-sizing' through attrition and adjusting class size policies, and the board signaled a willingness to revisit these decisions following public testimony.
high concern
Split votes
Approve Band Students' Trip to Nashville, TN (April 2027)
5-1
Community vs. board tension
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Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
21
Speakers
29
Comments
0
Addressed
0
Partial
0
Not addressed
Brad Smith
00:00
Not addressed
A band director argues that music is a vital discipline for developing leadership and analytical skills. He contends that eliminating the independent band director position is a retreat rather than a plan and will ultimately damage the program's future.
Key concern
The elimination of the independent band director position and the risks of merging roles.
The board explicitly stated during the introduction to public input that they generally do not respond to comments during the session, though they might reflect on them later.
Brendan LaFlame
Not addressed
He expresses that cutting the band director position is a disservice to students and places an unreasonable burden on a single person. He also notes that the decision harms the reputation of the district.
Key concern
The workload imbalance and negative community impact of cutting the band director position.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Bonnie Bruno
Not addressed
She emphasizes that the quality of public schools is a primary driver of property values and the 'Hollis promise.' She fears that gradual cuts to programs will eventually tarnish the town's reputation.
Key concern
The long-term impact of program cuts on community desirability and property values.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Miss Shapiro
Not addressed
A high school student explains how band provides a sense of belonging and teaches discipline and teamwork. She requests that the board reconsider removing the band director position.
Key concern
The emotional and social impact of removing the band director position.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Katie Marino
Partial
She argues that removing the band director position fundamentally changes the quality of the music experience. She also expresses concern regarding the suggestion that community members should fill staffing gaps.
Key concern
The loss of dedicated leadership and the inadequacy of using community volunteers to replace trained educators.
Board responseChair Deurloo Babcock clarified that many stipend positions are already held by other teachers and community members.
The Chair provided clarification regarding the current use of community/staff members for stipends, but the core concern about the quality of the music program was not directly answered.
Sabrina Ricks
Not addressed
She highlights the importance of arts education for student development and cites research on auditory processing. She argues that undercutting the arts is a disservice to students.
Key concern
The developmental and educational necessity of music instruction.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Miss Barchard
Not addressed
She expresses concern regarding the middle school librarian position and requests clarity on budget cuts. She worries that English and arts students are being overlooked in a science and math-heavy district.
Key concern
Clarification on specific staffing cuts (librarian) and the balance between STEM and arts.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Miss Bower
Not addressed
A high school senior argues that the band director position cannot be effectively absorbed by a choral director. She notes that this decision negatively impacts both the band and choir programs.
Key concern
The impracticality of one person managing both band and choir expertise.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Male Speaker
Partial
He suggests that the decline in high school band enrollment is due to how course requirements are structured. He proposes a revamp of the requirements to prevent students from dropping music in their freshman year.
Key concern
High school course requirement structures preventing continued music participation.
Board responseChair Deurloo Babcock clarified that the State, not the district, sets graduation requirements.
The Chair addressed the legal aspect of requirements but did not address the suggestion to revamp the internal schedule/period structure.
Mr. Goodwin
Partial
He questions what happens when the current influx of elementary students reaches the high school. He also asks why music is not a requirement for graduation in high school, unlike in middle school.
Key concern
Future staffing needs due to current elementary enrollment and the lack of a high school music requirement.
Board responseThe Chair clarified that the State sets graduation requirements, and the Superintendent noted that PE requirements can be met through various activities to open elective space.
The board addressed the graduation requirement question but did not address the long-term staffing concern regarding the elementary pipeline.
Julie Desmarais
Not addressed
She explains that scheduling conflicts often force students to choose between music and other core subjects like chemistry or foreign languages. She asks the board to find ways to accommodate music in early high school years.
Key concern
Scheduling conflicts that force students to abandon music electives.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Female Speaker
Not addressed
A mother and speech-language pathologist argues that music educators are specialists and that a choir director cannot provide the technical instruction required for instruments like the trombone.
Key concern
The loss of specialized instrumental instruction when roles are merged.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Rebecca Shaw
Not addressed
She argues that student course choices are constrained by scheduling and the pressure to frontload requirements. She warns that losing dedicated leadership will lead to a gradual erosion of the program.
Key concern
The idea that student enrollment declines are purely due to 'choice' rather than scheduling constraints.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Female Speaker
Not addressed
A student expresses how the music department serves as a vital mental health support and safe space. She fears that losing the band director will impact future generations of students.
Key concern
The role of music staff in student mental health and social support.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Female Speaker
Not addressed
A former student expresses her disappointment, noting that the band program shaped her life and career. She emphasizes that the workload on a single director would be unmanageable.
Key concern
The personal and professional impact of the program and the unmanageable workload for one teacher.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Vanessa
Not addressed
A music therapist shares research on the emotional and cognitive benefits of music. She urges the district to reconsider class size minimums to support the program.
Key concern
The research-backed value of music and a request to reconsider class size minimums.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment (though they discussed class size policy later in the meeting).
Miranda Bergeron
Not addressed
A recent graduate shares how the band program fostered her leadership skills. She warns that reducing the program will make it harder for students to return to music after a break.
Key concern
The impact of program reduction on student leadership and long-term musical engagement.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Natalie
Not addressed
A student shares how music provides future opportunities and mental health benefits. She asks the board to consider the needs of future students who will face reduced access.
Key concern
The long-term impact on future students and their access to music.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Chloe Martell
Not addressed
A sophomore argues that one director cannot handle the immense workload of both band and choir. She notes that this decision will spread teachers thin and lower educational quality.
Key concern
The impracticality of one person managing all musical responsibilities and the resulting decline in quality.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Jacob Cole
Not addressed
He states that he had to take classes on VLACS just to fit music into his schedule. He feels the school is not prioritizing the arts and expresses disappointment in the lack of support for seniors.
Key concern
Scheduling difficulties and the lack of prioritization for the arts.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Miss Roger
Partial
A student discusses the impact on ensembles and the potential for increased absences of the choral director due to band commitments. She also questions the minimum student count for classes.
Key concern
The effect on ensemble stability and questions about minimum class sizes.
Board responseThe Chair noted the discussion on class size policy would occur later in the meeting.
The board acknowledged the topic would be addressed later in the meeting via policy discussion.
Female Speaker
Not addressed
She argues that music ensembles are unique and should not be judged by the same class size minimums as academic subjects. She also discusses the impact of COVID on music participation.
Key concern
Class size minimums for specialized music ensembles.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Male Speaker
Not addressed
He emphasizes the importance of having the right specialized person in a position. He urges the board not to lose a highly skilled teacher just to save a small amount of money.
Key concern
The importance of retaining specialized staff rather than making cuts for minor budget reasons.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Male Speaker
Not addressed
He expresses disappointment that cuts are being made after the community fought for the budget. He suggests that if the board wants to cut the position, they should propose a budget without it and let the voters decide.
Key concern
The contradiction of cutting programs after a successful budget vote and a proposal to let voters decide on the position.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Male Speaker
Partial
He points out a contradiction in enrollment forecasts, noting that the numbers presented for certain bands actually show an increase. He also requests transparency regarding taxpayer dollars.
Key concern
Contradictory enrollment data and the need for transparency in budget allocation.
Board responseChair Deurloo Babcock stated the NESDEC forecast changed this year.
The Chair addressed why the forecast had changed, but did not address the specific data discrepancies noted by the speaker.
Karen Belmonte
Not addressed
She asks if student data from charter schools/EFA is being used for enrollment planning. She also questions the math behind the cuts and asks if a part-time band director was considered.
Key concern
Enrollment data accuracy and the consideration of part-time staffing alternatives.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Female Speaker
Not addressed
A freshman shares how her choir director serves as a vital mentor and safe space. She expresses fear about the future stability of such connections in the school.
Key concern
The importance of teacher-student mentorship and emotional safety.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
John Ricks
Not addressed
He discusses how performing arts foster inclusion for students with special needs. He argues that reducing staff makes true access ethically and legally difficult and criticizes the high taxes relative to programming.
Key concern
Inclusivity/accessibility for special needs students and the value of tax dollars.
The board follows a listening-only protocol for public comment.
Female Speaker
Not addressed
She explains how she chose the public school because of its strong band program. She expresses concern about the workload for the choral director and the long-term impact on students pursuing professional music.
Key concern
The impact of staff reductions on student professional development and teacher workload.
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
00:00
Approve the Consent Agenda
Motion by Member Vancoughnett, seconded by Member Mann.
6-0-0
00:00
Approve March 19, 2026 Minutes
Approved as presented.
7-0
00:00
Approve April 8, 2026 Minutes
Approved as amended with several typographical corrections.
7-0
00:00
Approve April 8, 2026 Non-Public Minutes
Approved as presented.
7-0
00:00
Extend Public Comment Period
Motion by Member Williams to allow those standing in line to provide input; Member Solon abstained.
5-0
00:00
Approve Band Students' Trip to Nashville, TN (April 2027)
Trip to take place from April 22 to April 26, 2027. Member Solon voted Nay.
5-1
00:00
Approve Senior Class Trip to North Country Rivers, ME
Trip scheduled for June 1-2, 2026.
6-0
00:00
Increase Breakfast Price from $1.75 to $2.00
To begin at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
6-0
00:00
Accept First Reading of Policy IIB – Class Size
Policy includes changes to minimum/maximum class sizes and specific course exceptions.
6-0
00:00
Adopt Policy JICJ – Unauthorized Communication
Waived subsequent readings in accordance with new cell phone laws.
6-0
00:00
Approve Administrators', Non-Union, and Allied Health Plan Employees' Compensation (Non-Public)
Approved during non-public session.
6-0
Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Review proposed changes to Policy IIB (Class Size) including Board oversight of exceptions and specific class maximums.
Assigned: Policy Committee · Due: Next meeting
Form a sub-committee to explore performing arts at HBHS, including the Program of Studies and enrollment trends.
Assigned: Administration / Committee of Curriculum & Best Practices · Due: Next meeting
Prepare a comparison of current vs. proposed Advisory/CAV Block schedules for Board review.
Assigned: Administration · Due: Next meeting
Member positions
11 issues · 18 explicit · 37 inferred · 4 unclear
A split vote in this meeting was recorded without naming the dissenter (e.g. a voice vote). Members whose individual vote could not be confirmed are marked UNCLEAR below — this is not the same as a “yes.” Named votes will be filled in if official minutes record them.
Holly Deurloo Babcock
Present
Chair
Approve the Consent Agenda
YES
~
Approve March 19, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Non-Public Minutes
YES
✓
Extend Public Comment Period
YES
~
Approve Band Students' Trip to Nashville, TN (April 2027)
UNCLEAR
Approve Senior Class Trip to North Country Rivers, ME
YES
~
Increase Breakfast Price from $1.75 to $2.00
YES
~
Accept First Reading of Policy IIB – Class Size
YES
~
Adopt Policy JICJ – Unauthorized Communication
YES
~
Approve Administrators', Non-Union, and Allied Health Plan Employees' Compensation (Non-Public)
YES
~
Kate Stoll
Present
Vice Chair
Approve the Consent Agenda
YES
~
Approve March 19, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Non-Public Minutes
YES
✓
Extend Public Comment Period
YES
~
Approve Band Students' Trip to Nashville, TN (April 2027)
UNCLEAR
Approve Senior Class Trip to North Country Rivers, ME
YES
~
Increase Breakfast Price from $1.75 to $2.00
YES
~
Accept First Reading of Policy IIB – Class Size
YES
~
Adopt Policy JICJ – Unauthorized Communication
YES
~
Approve Administrators', Non-Union, and Allied Health Plan Employees' Compensation (Non-Public)
YES
~
Amy Kellner
Present
Secretary
Approve the Consent Agenda
YES
~
Approve March 19, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Non-Public Minutes
YES
✓
Extend Public Comment Period
YES
~
Approve Band Students' Trip to Nashville, TN (April 2027)
UNCLEAR
Approve Senior Class Trip to North Country Rivers, ME
YES
~
Increase Breakfast Price from $1.75 to $2.00
YES
~
Accept First Reading of Policy IIB – Class Size
YES
~
Adopt Policy JICJ – Unauthorized Communication
YES
~
Approve Administrators', Non-Union, and Allied Health Plan Employees' Compensation (Non-Public)
YES
~
Robert Mann
Present
Member
Approve the Consent Agenda
YES
~
Approve March 19, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Non-Public Minutes
YES
✓
Extend Public Comment Period
YES
~
Approve Band Students' Trip to Nashville, TN (April 2027)
UNCLEAR
Approve Senior Class Trip to North Country Rivers, ME
YES
~
Increase Breakfast Price from $1.75 to $2.00
YES
~
Accept First Reading of Policy IIB – Class Size
YES
~
Adopt Policy JICJ – Unauthorized Communication
YES
~
Approve Administrators', Non-Union, and Allied Health Plan Employees' Compensation (Non-Public)
YES
~
Tom Solon
Present
Member
Approve the Consent Agenda
YES
✓
Approve March 19, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Minutes
YES
✓
Approve April 8, 2026 Non-Public Minutes
YES
✓
Extend Public Comment Period
ABSTAIN
✓
Approve Band Students' Trip to Nashville, TN (April 2027)
NO
✓
Approve Senior Class Trip to North Country Rivers, ME
YES
~
Increase Breakfast Price from $1.75 to $2.00
YES
~
Accept First Reading of Policy IIB – Class Size
YES
~
Adopt Policy JICJ – Unauthorized Communication
YES
~
Approve Administrators', Non-Union, and Allied Health Plan Employees' Compensation (Non-Public)
YES
~
Cindy VanCoughnett
Present
Member
Approve the Consent Agenda
YES
✓
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
Accountability flags
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Agenda items not discussed
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