Braintree Town Councilor Hosting Forum On Debt Exclusion

BRAINTREE, MA — District 5 Town Councilor Meredith Boericke announced she's hosting a public forum for residents to learn more about the proposed debt exclusion before the Braintree special election on March 28. If approved, the $63 million debt exclusion would pay for a new South Middle School, a feasibility study on Braintree High School and other school improvements.

The public forum was scheduled for 7 p.m. March 12 in the Evergreen Room at Grove Manor at 180 Grove St. Boericke said local experts will be present to answer residents’ questions about what the debt exclusion means for them and for Braintree. Boericke, in an effort to foster inclusion, welcomes parents to bring children and will also have a Chinese language translator available to assist Chinese-speaking residents; informational materials will be provided in both English and Chinese.

If voters approve the debt exclusion, South Middle School will be the first new school building in Braintree since the high school was built in 1972. The town has been approved for nearly $31 million in grant funds from the state to offset the cost of construction, but the total cost is estimated at $86 million. A debt exclusion is a temporary increase in property taxes to raise the money necessary to pay debt service costs for the project.

"I take seriously my responsibility to keep my constituents informed," Boericke said. "A special election to support school funding is a big deal, and it's important to me that residents have all the information they need before they go to the polls."

Boericke encourages residents who are unable to attend the forum to contact her directly, by email at meredithbforbraintree@gmail.com or by phone at 339-235-8807, or to come to her open office hours from 4 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., every Sunday at the Dunkin' at 1172 Washington Street.

More on Debt Exclusion:

• How Much Will The Braintree Debt Exclusion Cost You In Taxes?
• Braintree Debt Exclusion To Cost $63 Million Over 30 Years: Mayor
• Mayor Calls For Debt Exclusion To Pay For New South Middle School