Concerns over the proposed closure of Ross School dominated the Braintree School Committee meeting on March 3, 2025, as community members voiced their apprehensions about the impact on educational equity and neighborhood stability.

Elizabeth Meglio, a district counselor for East Braintree, highlighted the school’s critical role in serving a diverse student population, with 57% of students identifying as non-white and 56% facing significant academic challenges. “These figures underscore Ross' critical role in serving our most vulnerable students,” Meglio stated, emphasizing the school’s importance in a community already facing economic hardships.

Meglio pointed out that East Braintree holds an official environmental justice designation, with many households living at or below 65% of the median income. The proposed closure of the only elementary school in the area raises serious equity concerns, particularly as the neighborhood has seen recent revitalization efforts with new businesses opening. “Removing our neighborhood school could undermine this progress,” she warned, referencing research that shows school closures in economically vulnerable areas can lead to diminished community stability.

The meeting also touched on the potential displacement of students from local rental and multifamily housing, which could further complicate their educational experiences. Meglio noted that increased distances to schools could hinder family participation in education, particularly for those already facing challenges in a community that has been “demonized” in discussions about development.

As the School Committee continues to deliberate on the future of Ross School, the voices of concerned community members underscore the need for careful consideration of the broader implications of such a decision. The outcome could significantly affect not only the students but the entire East Braintree community.