Schools

Braintree Schools Seek Public Input on Space Crunch

Braintree is expecting hundreds of additional students over the next decade.

The Braintree Public Schools added 600 students over the last decade, and will likely add hundreds more in the coming years.

The influx of school-age children has been labeled a good problem by many Braintree officials because it means people are attracted to the community, but it also means a space crunch in most Braintree schools.

To help address the issue, a public discussion on space needs will be held this Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Braintree High School.

Residents are encouraged to attend and share their concerns, ideas and suggestions with school officials.

Most recently, the School Committee has considered a possible plan to add gymnasiums and renovate elementary schools, along with potentially opening Monatiquot School as a kindergarten center next year. 

Also on the table are proposals to add 24 modular classrooms throughout the district, add permanent additions and/or construct new buildings.

The last option appears the least likely to move forward, based on discussions among school officials the last few months and what Business Manager Peter Kress has called Braintree families' strong preference for keeping neighborhood K-5 or 1-5 schools intact.

Steve Habeeb, whose firm Habeeb & Associates has developed building proposals for the district, said that the construction of a new elementary school capable of holding 450 students would cost $18 million to $20 million.

Renovating all six elementary schools in a similar way as South Middle School was done a few years ago and East is anticipating, could cost $49 million, according cost projections done by the school department.


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