Braintree Superintendent Responds to Photos Depicting Damage at Ross School

School officials responded Monday to photos of the Ross School depicting what appeared to be mold and poor conditions in the elementary school.

Superintendent Maureen Murray refuted what was displayed in the photo, stating that none of the Braintree school buildings have structural damage.

“I know there are building issues, but I don’t want things to get out of hand. We do have space issues and we do have buildings that are not esthetically pleasing, but I assure you we don’t have structure issues,” Murray said.

Responding to photos that were posted to Facebook and republished by local media outlets including Braintree Patch, Murray said that a photo of a damaged ceiling tile was caused by the winter weather and has been repaired, a roof that appeared to contain mold was rust on a tin roof, and a rug displaying mold was on top of tile, leaving no chance for mold growth underneath the rug.

Murray said she attempted to reach out to individuals about the photos but did not get a response.

“I was really excited there was a movement that wanted to help with space needs, but I’m concerned that some of the tactics are not going to get there,” she said. “We’re not going to get there by disparaging other people. We are all in agreement with the concerns, we see them, but I hope we start a new positive spin on this.”

Ross School principal Donna M. Bonarrigo said in a statement that she was unaware of any mold problem at the school and echoed Murray’s explanation for the photos.

Murray’s comments came during a space needs update where the public was updated on previous and future building and facility upgrade. Highlights of the review and update included $6.3 million in building improvements since fiscal year 2009, the opening of the Monatiquot School, the addition of district-wide WiFi, this summer’s work on the East School, and the statement of interest sent to the Massachusetts School Buildings Association to renovate the Liberty School.