The Brookfield Board of Education has narrowly approved a 58 point 8 million dollar spending plan for next fiscal year, voting four to three to advance a proposal that raises school spending by nearly five percent. The plan represents more than a three million dollar increase over the current budget and now moves to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance before heading to voters in a town referendum. Several board members voiced concerns over cuts to professional development, curriculum, and field trips, with some supporting the plan reluctantly. Opponents warned the budget is fiscally unsustainable and could fail at referendum, while supporters said it reflects months of discussion and careful review by district leadership.