Superintendent Dr. Linus Guillory will be stepping down from his post as Brookline’s top education official, he and the Brookline School Committee (BSC) announced in an April 28 statement posted on the town website. Guillory’s tenure will end on June 30; his contract was not set to expire until 2029.
Guillory has served as Superintendent since July 2021. He cited the Public Schools of Brookline’s commitment to “closing achievement gaps” and promoting “equity, inclusion and diversity in the workplace and in the student experience” as the reason for his interest in working in the district.
In a letter sent to the BSC on April 15, Guillory did not indicate a specific reason for his leaving, but he emphasized his pride in what he and others were able to accomplish over his four years in the role.
“Together, we launched a strategic plan that will continue to benefit our district long into the future,” Guillory wrote. “We are elevating expanded learning opportunities for all learners through the adoption of our curriculum and navigated unprecedented challenges with unity and resilience.”
Guillory’s departure marks a continuation of instability and high turnover within town administration. His replacement will be the sixth Superintendent in as many years. Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent of Student Service Liza O’Connell officially exited her position in March, noting in her resignation letter that the Office of Administration and Finance faced “budget problems and financial management issues” that have triggered a “hostile work environment.”
Guillory’s tenure was marked in recent years by several notable controversies, including the $8 million budget deficit that triggered O’Connell’s resignation and cuts to several district-wide programs and offices—including the Office of Educational Equity, which the BSC voted to eliminate in mid-March—and his response in the aftermath of the Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in 2023, including an email that critics labeled insensitive and lacking in support for Jewish community members.
Despite these controversies, the BSC remained generally positive about Guillory’s performance throughout his years in the role, deeming him “proficient” in his End-of-Cycle Summative Evaluation Reports in 2022 2023 2024.
In their statement, the School Committee announced that they will meet in “the next couple of weeks” to discuss hiring an interim Superintendent, who will take office on July 1.
Head of School Anthony Meyer could not immediately be reached for comments.
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as more information becomes available.
Update: On May 4 2025, Superintendent Guillory gave a statement to the Cypress on his resignation, denying that it had any relation to the ongoing budget crisis. He wrote:
“My resignation was not related to the school funding shortfall as you can see that numerous communities, both near and far from us, were/are dealing with similar funding needs.
“I am most proud of how our district has come together—students, educators, families, and the broader community—to stay focused on equity, excellence, and belonging for every child. We have made meaningful progress in addressing opportunity gaps, expanding access to rigorous curriculum, and investing in the social and emotional well-being of our students.
“I am especially proud of our work in strengthening inclusive practices, deepening our commitment to ensuring that every student sees themselves reflected in our schools—in the curriculum, the staff, and the culture. We have also made strategic investments in early childhood education, special education, and professional development that will have a lasting impact.
“None of this work is ever finished, but I am proud of the foundation we have built together and the collaborative spirit that drives our district forward.”
