Braintree Invited Into State's Accelerated School Repair Program

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree Public Schools was one of 18 Massachusetts school districts to be selected for the state's accelerated school repair program.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority's Accelerated Repair Program aims to improve children and teachers' learning environments, reduce energy use and help school districts save money. On Dec. 16, the authority's board of directors voted to invite Braintree into the program for the replacement of roofs at both Highlands and Liberty Elementary schools.

The process for consideration by the MBSA began with Braintree’s submission of a Statement of Interest in February 2020 for each school.

"The Town of Braintree is pleased to be invited into the MSBA’s program and is so grateful to have such a wonderful partnership with them," Mayor Charles Kokoros said. "Replacing elementary school roofs is one of my top priorities for capital improvements for our school district, and this will ensure our students continue to have a safe and comfortable learning environment."

The approved partnership continues efforts to improve the school buildings throughout Braintree. As part of the Town’s debt exclusion vote in September, residents voted to provide $5 million for repairing all elementary school roofs in the district. The $63 million exclusion also helped pay for a new South Middle School and other school building projects.

"The MSBA has committed over $70 million in funding for both our East Middle and South Middle School building projects,” said Superintendent of Schools Frank Hackett. "The BPS is excited to continue our partnership with MSBA to help fund critical roof repairs at Highlands and Liberty Schools."