Brookline Candidate Profile: Laura Baines-Walsh For School Committee

BROOKLINE, MA — The town election is fast approaching on Tuesday, May 5 and School Committee is one of its contested races.

Brookline Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles leading up to election day.

Laura Baines-Walsh is running for Brookline School Committee.

Age

45

Position sought

School Committee

Party affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband Greg, daughter Kathryn, 13 years old, son Will, 11 years old

Education

BA in history from Emory University, PhD in American History from Boston College

Occupation

Teacher

Previous or Current Elected Office

I have been a town meeting member since 2019

Campaign Website

lauraforschoolcommittee.com/

Why are you seeking elected office?

I’m running because I believe deeply in public education and in Brookline’s potential to be a district that truly serves every student well. As a high school teacher and a parent in the district, I see both our strengths and where we fall short. We have extraordinary teachers, engaged families, and strong community support, but we also face real challenges around equity, student support, and resources. I’m running to help ensure we build on what’s working while being honest about where we need to do better.

The single most-pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is

The budget gap

________ and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is the budget gap. Both the town and the school district are facing a significant gap, and voters are being asked to consider an override. I support the override because the consequences of a failed override are simply too severe.

At the same time, we must take deliberate action to reduce our long-term reliance on overrides. Continued uncertainty undermines stability for educators and creates real strain for families, as teachers face the possibility of layoffs and communities risk losing programs they value.

The Expenditures and Revenues Study Committee has undertaken a rigorous analysis of the underlying structural gap, identifying opportunities to increase revenue and improve efficiency. Many of these solutions will take time and sustained commitment to implement.

If elected, I will prioritize advancing these recommendations and use my role in budget oversight to ensure that each annual budget reflects strong educational priorities, long-term fiscal discipline, and the values of our community.

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this post?

I bring a combination of experiences that distinguish me from other candidates. I am an educator and a current public school parent, so I understand our district from multiple perspectives. My daughter is an 8th-grader at Baker, and my son is a 5th-grader in the LAHB program at Driscoll.

I am also the longest-serving Town Meeting Member in the race, which means I have direct experience with municipal budgets, decision-making, and my fiduciary responsibility to Brookline taxpayers.

As a trained researcher with a PhD in history, I approach decisions with a strong commitment to evidence and data. As a classroom teacher who has taught history and government from grades 7 through 12, I have seen firsthand that students learn best when they are both challenged academically and feel a strong sense of belonging. I’ll bring my professional background, my training, and my experience in Town governance to the School Committee table to ensure that Brookline remains an exceptional district.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My campaign is focused on several key priorities centered on strengthening our schools and supporting all students.

First, I believe we need clear educational goals and benchmarks. That includes establishing a rigorous, coherent curriculum and maintaining appropriately leveled classes so teachers can effectively meet the needs of an academically diverse student population.

I also hear consistently from educators and families about concerns around technology. We need thoughtful policies that reduce distraction, including cell phone use during the school day, while promoting healthy and responsible use of digital tools.

Strengthening the middle school experience is another priority. Our students need not only strong academics, but also access to clubs, athletics, and other extracurricular opportunities that support their growth during these critical years.

Good governance is essential to all of this work. Building public trust requires clear budgeting and reporting, strong internal oversight, and long-range planning to ensure the district’s fiscal stability.

I also believe deeply in the importance of critical thinking and civil discourse. Our curriculum and policies should foster fact-based analysis, respectful dialogue, and the civic skills students need to participate fully in a democratic society.

Finally, meeting the needs of every student must remain at the center of our work. That means directing resources toward programs that are proven to be effective, while ensuring that our limited dollars are focused on supporting students in the classroom.

The best advice ever shared with me was __________

The best advice ever shared with me was to listen widely, stay curious, and never stop asking questions.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will approach this role with a clear commitment to listening, transparency, and disciplined, thoughtful decision-making. I will ask hard questions, weigh evidence carefully, and work collaboratively to advance solutions that serve students well.
I care deeply about getting this right—for all students and for our community.

See Also:

Brookline Candidate Profile: Marissa Vogt For Public Library Trustee

Brookline Candidate Profile: Petra Bignami For Public Library Trustee

Brookline Candidate Profile: Aylit Schultz For School Committee

Brookline Candidate Profile: Amy Newell For Public Library Trustee

Brookline Candidate Profile: Jonathan Klein For Housing Authority

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