Support for the Lawrence School
Funding FAQs for Educators
How much classroom allocation funding do I get every year?
If you’re a teacher or staff, you may use your classroom allocation budget for supplies and equipment that benefit your students. All educators are eligible for the classroom allocations. Paraprofessionals, conservatory staff, cafeteria and custodial staff do not currently receive allocations but may be supported through other avenues with faculty support.
Funding for teachers and staff are allocated based on FTE amount. Currently, 0.8 to 1.0 is allocated $300. 0.4 to 0.7 is allocated $150. <0.4 is allocated $75. (Note that new-to-Lawrence teachers receive double the allocation in their first year. Ex. a 0.8 FTE who is new to Lawrence would receive $600 in their first year). ETF, nurses, the METCO liaison and Steps to Success program manager receive allocations based on their FTE amount. From the front office, the principal and assistant principals also receive allocations ($1000 and $500 respectively).
Unused allocations are not rolled over to the following year.
Contact the PTO Treasurer at treasurer@lawrenceschoolbrookline.org with any questions.
How do I get reimbursed?
For all reimbursements (for already-approved grants, classroom allocations, event expenses), please submit your request using the online PTO reimbursement form. Reimbursement requests must be received by June 4, 2027 for all 2026-2027 school year purchases.
Reimbursements are processed on a rolling basis; PayPal reimbursements are faster than bank checks.
Educator Grants
The PTO has established funds for classroom supplies/equipment (a.k.a. classroom allocations) that will support students and the learning experience.
Recent educator grants have supported:
Mathematics picture-book collections for every Kindergarten classroom
A student-led Chemistry Magic Show for the sixth grade
Virtual visits to Heart Mountain and a guest speaker from the Elie Wiesel Center, connecting literature with history
A real-world life-skills experience involving public transportation, budgeting, and nutritious food shopping
A reading challenge featuring the Massachusetts Children’s Book Awards
Social-emotional learning books addressing empathy, bullying, grief, family change, and learning differences
Have an idea that would enrich learning at Lawrence? Educators can review the grant guidelines and submit an application through the Educator Grant Form.