School Board Proposes Closure of Morrison and Hollis Amid Overcrowding Concerns

In a recent virtual presentation on redistricting, Braintree Public Schools officials outlined several options for school closures and student reallocations, sparking significant discussion about the potential impacts on local education. The meeting, held on January 22, 2025, focused on the implications of closing schools such as Highlands, Morrison, and Flaherty, and how these changes could affect student populations and school capacities.

One of the primary proposals, referred to as Option 3, involves closing both Highlands and Morrison. This option would see students from Morrison, one of the largest schools, redistributed primarily to Ross and Hollis. However, this redistribution raises concerns about overcrowding, particularly at Ross, which is already one of the smallest schools in the district. Under this scenario, Ross would operate at 97% capacity, while Hollis would be at 98%. The potential for overcrowding could hinder the ability to provide adequate special education spaces, a critical consideration for the district.

Another significant proposal, Option 4, suggests closing Flaherty instead of Morrison. This option would also lead to a domino effect of student transfers, with many students moving to Hollis and Ross. The presentation highlighted that due to recent upgrades at Flaherty, closing this school may be difficult to justify, complicating the decision-making process.

The most drastic proposal, Option 5, involves closing both Highlands and Hollis. This scenario would require extensive student reallocation across the district, affecting nearly every school. The anticipated capacity at Ross would reach 100%, indicating a critical need for space and resources if this option were to be implemented.

Throughout the presentation, officials emphasized the complexity of the redistricting process, noting that each option carries significant implications for student distribution and school capacity. The discussions underscored the challenges of managing school populations in the face of changing demographics and the need for strategic planning to ensure that educational needs are met.

As the district moves forward, community feedback will be essential in shaping the final decisions regarding school closures and redistricting. The implications of these changes will resonate throughout the Braintree community, affecting not only current students but also future generations. The school board is expected to continue evaluating these options and engage with stakeholders to address concerns and gather input before finalizing any plans.