Braintree High School Start Delayed By Electrical Issue

BRAINTREE, MA — The start of classes at Braintree High School will be delayed, because of electrical issues at the school.

Specifically, the switchgear needs to be replaced after it sustained water damage two weeks ago.

School Committee member Kelly Cobb-Lemire said school officials turned the power off at Braintree High School until the switchgear can be temporarily replaced. Cobb-Lemire said the repairs are expected to be done before Sept. 8, which is when high school students are now expected to return to class.

"We are working with the contractors and the town’s inspectors on installation timelines, and from that we will outline a schedule for the opening of school at Braintree High School, which we intend to be Wednesday, September 8th," Cobb-Lemire wrote on her Facebook page. "It is premature to determine how we will make up the lost days, and we will provide that information after seeking some clarity from the Department of Education on all available options."

School committee Chair Tom Devin said the current switchgear is 50-year-old and usually has a life cycle of around 35. He said the project will cost more than $1 million to replace permanently, which is expected to happen later this school year.