Braintree School Committee members discussed significant budgetary changes during their recent meeting, focusing on potential savings from administrative restructuring and school closures. The committee outlined a plan that could yield savings between $520,000 and $595,000, primarily through the reduction of administrative staff, including a principal and administrative assistant, as well as a school nurse and support personnel like crossing guards.

The discussion highlighted a notable decline in school enrollment, with approximately 400 fewer students in grades K-4 over the past decade. This decrease has led to the potential closure of certain schools, which would also generate facility savings estimated at around $100,000. However, closing schools could incur costs, including a payback to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) of approximately $450,000 if Old South School were to close, and about $570,000 for Highlands School due to a recent roof project.

The committee emphasized that any decisions regarding school closures would be made in consultation with the MSBA, ensuring that future partnerships for projects, including the high school, remain unaffected. As the committee navigates these financial challenges, the implications of their decisions will be closely monitored by the community, particularly as they relate to educational resources and student support.