School Committee Celebrates $1.5 Million Grant to Bring WiFi to Braintree Schools

The Braintree Public Schools are ready to go wireless after receiving about $1.2 million from the state for the project.

Announced earlier this month, the Braintree School Committee took some time on Monday to celebrate the awarding of the bonds to bring wireless to schools in the district.

The effort to apply for the funds was a result of a task force last year that found that the lack of wireless in the schools was limiting. To receive the grants, a proposal had to be written by the district explaining what they intended to do with the money.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan praised Superintendent Maureen Murray for prioritizing technology as one of the more important elements of her tenure.

Combined with $300,000 of leverage from the town, the schools will have a total of $1.5 million for the project pending the approval of town council.

State Senator Brian Joyce, who was in attendance with State Senator John Keenan, said only $5 millions was released statewide as part of the grant, giving Braintree nearly a quarter of the total funds available.

“It is a credit to everyone in this room. To think that you got almost 25 percent of the available first round funding is incredible and is a tribute to all of you,” Keenan said.

The specific breakdown for the Digital Connections Partnership Schools Grant in Braintree are:

• Braintree High School - $470,000
• East Middle School - $200,000
• Hollis School - $110,000
• South Middle School - $120,000
• Archie T. Morrison School - $30,000
• Donald Ross School - $30,000
• Highlands School - $90,000
• Liberty School - $90,000
• Mary E. Flaherty School - $90,000