Braintree council celebrates funding boost despite declining school enrollment

Braintree Public Schools celebrated a successful year during the School Committee Meeting on June 9, 2025, highlighting a significant increase in tax revenue and community support. The committee acknowledged the positive financial outlook, with one member noting, "We had an amazing year... the citizens of Braintree did a good job in bringing extra money in."

However, the meeting also addressed concerns about declining school enrollment, which has been a pressing issue since 2019. A committee member expressed frustration over inconsistent enrollment figures, stating, "I think there's a discrepancy here, especially with the way the numbers were laid out." This concern is particularly relevant as the district prepares for future planning and discussions with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

In addition to financial discussions, the meeting celebrated recent achievements within the Braintree Public School System. Highlights included the successful graduation of the Class of 2025, which featured heartfelt student speeches, and a series of community events, such as the Braintree High School's production of "Your Good Man, Charlie Brown" and the annual academic awards night, where over $215,000 in scholarships were awarded to students.

The committee also recognized Jill Boyd, a crossing guard at Flaherty, for her outstanding service, naming her one of the "Champion Crossing Guards of the Year" by MassDOT.

As the school year wraps up, the committee remains focused on addressing enrollment challenges while celebrating the community's contributions to the district's success. The next steps will involve a thorough review of enrollment data and continued collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for Braintree students.