I’m Dr. Laura Baines-Walsh
My Work as an Educator:
Research, Rigor, and Thoughtful Decision-Making
I earned a PhD in American History from Boston College, where I was trained as a researcher to ask rigorous questions, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions based on data—not just what feels right in the moment.
For the past 15 years, I have taught World History, U.S. History, and U.S. Government to students of different ages, abilities, and learning styles. In my classroom, I help students understand how democratic institutions work, why evidence matters, and how thoughtful disagreement strengthens a healthy society.
The skills developed through research—careful analysis, intellectual humility, and respect for facts—are the same I would bring to School Committee deliberations.
An Educator, a Parent, and a Civic Leader
I’m running for the Brookline School Committee as an educator, a parent in the district, and someone who takes civic engagement seriously. Together, these experiences shape how I think about students, families, and the responsibilities of public leadership.
My Perspective as a Parent:
Knowing Students as Individuals
My husband, Greg, and I moved to Brookline in 2014 to raise our children in this exceptional school system.
Our daughter is an 8th grader at the Baker School, where she participates in musical theater and the Gay-Straight Alliance, and plays goalie for Brookline Youth Hockey. Our son is a 5th grader at the Driscoll School and part of the Language and Academic Homebase (LAHB) program; he loves soccer and plays with Brookline Recreation and the Brookline Soccer Club.
As a parent, I want my children—and all PSB students—to be challenged, supported, and known as individuals. I want them to love learning, feel safe taking intellectual risks, and graduate prepared for whatever path they choose.
Civic Engagement and Public Service:
Showing Up and Working Collaboratively
In addition to my role as a parent, I have chosen to serve Brookline as an elected Town Meeting Member since 2019.
Serving on Town Meeting has reinforced my belief in the value of listening carefully, working with people who hold different perspectives, and grounding decisions in both data and lived experience. Thoughtful, collaborative leadership can make a real difference in our schools and in students’ futures.
Why School Committee?
Building on Strength While Striving to Do Better
Brookline’s schools have extraordinary strengths, and I’m deeply grateful for what the district has provided for my family and so many others. I believe we must continue to build on that foundation while also asking hard questions and striving to do better for every student.
I’m running for School Committee because I bring educational expertise, a parent’s perspective, and a deep commitment to public service. I would be honored to bring that experience, care, and evidence-based approach to this role.
