In the dimly lit meeting room of Braintree Town Hall, a palpable tension filled the air as parents, educators, and community members gathered for the Braintree School Committee meeting on March 3, 2025. The focus of the evening was a pressing issue that has stirred deep emotions and concerns: the potential closure of Ross School, a cherished institution in the community.

Dawn Whitney, a passionate advocate for the school, opened the discussion with a call for a more proactive approach to school management. “Braintree needs to stop being reactive and create a long-term plan,” she urged, emphasizing the need for stability rather than the cycle of opening and closing schools that has plagued the district. Her sentiments echoed the fears of many present, who worry about the impact of such decisions on their children’s education and community ties.

Among the attendees was Kelly Lewis, a third grader at Ross, who shared a heartfelt plea to keep the school open. “Ross has been a part of my family for over 30 years,” she said, highlighting the school’s significance not just as an educational institution but as a community hub. “We may not have a fancy playground, but we have a community here at Ross,” she added, underscoring the importance of local connections and the unique experience of walking to school.

As the meeting progressed, Brendan Stellman, a concerned parent, voiced his frustrations regarding the communication process surrounding the proposed school closures. He recalled a previous attempt to close Flaherty School and expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency in presenting new options to the community. “I don’t know what’s going on with option number 3,” he lamented, pointing out that many parents were left in the dark about critical decisions affecting their children’s education.

Liz Kelly, another parent, echoed these concerns, arguing that closing Ross would not resolve the underlying issues of capacity and cost. “Eliminating Ross would only reduce your options for the future,” she warned, referencing upcoming housing developments that could increase student enrollment. Her remarks highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy that considers both current and future educational needs.

The emotional weight of the evening was palpable as Sarah Redd, co-president of the Ross PTO, shared her experiences rallying community support for the school. “Every person I handed a flyer to had a response—some expressed dread, others a mixture of hope,” she recounted, illustrating the community’s deep investment in the school’s future. Redd’s commitment to advocating for Ross reflected a broader sentiment among parents who feel exhausted by the ongoing struggle for adequate educational resources.

As the meeting drew to a close, the urgency for a thoughtful and inclusive approach to school management was clear. The voices of parents, students, and community members resonated with a shared desire for stability and a commitment to preserving the unique character of Braintree’s schools. The future of Ross School remains uncertain, but the community’s resolve to fight for its place in Braintree’s educational landscape is stronger than ever.