Hi, I'm Dr. Bob Weintraub

I’m running for School Committee because I have a long and rather unique professional history in education — as an English teacher in New York City, founding principal of the pre-k to 8 Micro-Society Magnet School in Lowell, BHS Head of School from 1992-2011, and professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Columbia University Teachers College and Boston University.

In partnership with my colleague Dr. Adrian Mims, we launched the Calculus Project at Brookline High School in 2009, and I’m currently Chair of the National Calculus Project.

In these challenging times, I believe that my experience in and passion for public education are vital to the necessary conversations about the present and future of our schools.

In partnership with my colleague Dr. Adrian Mims, we launched the Calculus Project at Brookline High School in 2009, and I’m currently Chair of the National Calculus Project.

In these challenging times, I believe that my experience in and passion for public education are vital to the necessary conversations about the present and future of our schools.

I’m endorsing Bob because of his unwavering commitment to putting children first, his love for and deep understanding of the Brookline Public Schools, his political acumen, and his humanity.

Dr. Weintraub is and has been a relentless advocate for educational equity. He is a fearless educator who fights for all students. He is not afraid of getting into "good trouble."

Saying yes to supporting Dr. Bob is as easy a choice to make as breathing — and that is not hyperbole. It’s been 20 years since I was a student in his school, and yet I still remember what a kind, compassionate, fair, just and inclusive leader he was, and always will be. Any academic body that brings Bob Weintraub into its folds, inherently champions progress, vast academic growth, and the happiness and safety of their students.

I am enthusiastically supporting Robert "Dr. Bob" Weintraub for Brookline School Committee. I can't think of anyone more qualified or better positioned to be the thought leader, voice of reason, and passionate advocate that we need and deserve on our school committee. Undergirding all of his efforts to ensure that we teach the children well is an unshakeable belief in the limitless potential of each and every one of our beloved students, and a rock solid commitment to valuing and supporting the dedicated educators who do this work.

John Dewey, 1899

“What the best and wisest parent wants for their own child, that must the community want for all of its children. Any other ideal for our schools is narrow and unlovely; acted upon it destroys our democracy.”

Bob Weintraub, 2025

“What John Dewey wrote.”

More of Dr. Bob's
core beliefs:

Leadership Matters

For administrative searches, we need democratic and inclusive search committees that have a real voice in the selection of our school and district leaders.

As well, our schools must be committed to cultivating leaders within the district.

Excellence in Teaching

As my colleague Ron Ferguson wrote, "Schools are built upon the three legs of a tripod—curriculum, instruction, and relationships—and without strong relationships, good curriculum and instruction are less likely to matter."

Prioritize People closest to the kids

Budget decisions must be driven by the return on investment (ROI) for the academic achievement and well-being of our students. Powerful research says that investment must be made at the schoolhouse — teachers, counselors/social workers, and principals who work with our kids every day.

The Academic goal for our schools

The academic profile of the school system — as measured by school attendance, course enrollments, student grades, and standardized test scores — improves over time. And the gap between the higher achieving and historically lower achieving students narrows.

To make this happen, the robust academic culture must be maintained (high standards), and intentional supports (such as the Calculus Project) must be provided so that more and more students can succeed within that academic culture.

The social-emotional goal for our schools

We must honor E Pluribus Unum in our schools.

This means understanding and respect for human differences and our essential kinship, and that every member of our school community has the freedom to define themselves and feel safe within that definition.

Media & Critical Thinking

We are a toxically divided nation. This is a reflection of politically driven information cultures, characterized by disinformation and misinformation.

Brookline should be a lighthouse in confronting this Brobdingnagian problem. We must address this through curriculum and through the practice of democracy in our schools.

“As Brookline High PTO co-president, I learned more from Dr. Bob—about clear-sighted leadership, respectful collaboration, and tough-minded decision-making—than in any other professional setting I’ve been in.”

Deanne Urmy, Former BHS PTO; Former Board Chair, Steps to Success

“These are complicated times on school committees everywhere, and I honestly can’t think of a better person to help steer Brookline Public Schools through complexity than Bob Weintraub.”

Mary Burchenal, Former BHS English Department Chair; Director, Teachers as Scholars

“Our community will benefit from his lifetime of experience as a teacher and an educational administrator, his earnest desire for the betterment, excellence and well-being of our students, his bold pursuit for innovation and his ability to inspire and communicate effectively.”

Hsiu-Lan Chang, Brookline Asian American Activist

“Bob is a great educator with an incredibly rare combination of capacities. He brings together a lifelong commitment to children with a deep understanding from the inside of what makes schools work.”

Jon Saphier, Founder of Research for Better Teaching

Under Bob's leadership, BHS earned a national reputation for being a place of academic excellence and innovation where students felt loved and heard. On the School Committee, he will offer a perspective that only someone with his understanding of schools can provide.

Dr. Robert Weintraub’s leadership shaped Brookline High School into a place of innovation, excellence, and a vibrant, diverse community where students from all backgrounds came together to learn and grow.

I've known Bob for decades — from my time as a student at BHS to my time as a teacher there. There is no one I know with a stronger vision for public education and the role it plays in building strong, thriving communities and democracies.

Dr. Bob Weintraub for Brookline School Committee

Dr. Bob Weintraub for Brookline School Committee

Hi, I'm Dr. Bob Weintraub