Braintree school committee opens public hearing on redistricting and possible school closures; no votes taken

The Town of Braintree School Committee opened a public hearing on Monday, March 3, to consider redistricting and potential school consolidations after Superintendent Mr. Lee presented options developed with consultant Sanborn.

The hearing at K Hall Auditorium drew dozens of residents and scores of public comments opposing closures of neighborhood schools, especially Ross Elementary, while some parents and educators supported consolidations that Sanborn and school staff say would reduce inequities in class size and ease long-term facility planning.

The committee launched the process after consultants provided several scenarios. Superintendent Mr. Lee described three options the committee identified for closer study: option 1b (no school closures; townwide redistricting), option 2c (close Highlands and Ross; reopen Old South and partially redistrict north and south), and option 3 (close Highlands, reuse Old South and redistrict townwide). Mr. Lee said the district is early in budget planning for fiscal 2026 and that the school department’s maintenance-of-effort level services budget is projected at $83,100,000 while projected town funding is about $82,300,000, leaving an approximate operational gap of $800,000.

Why it matters: the choices under consideration affect student assignment, transportation, special education services and the condition and future use of school buildings. Parents, staff and advocates said closures would disproportionately affect East Braintree and Title I students and urged the committee to prioritize safety, long-term planning and equity.

Superintendent presentation and financial figures

Mr. Lee summarized Sanborn’s scenarios and a rubric the district used to weigh priorities such as financial sustainability, the facilities report, minimizing…