Braintree School Committee votes 6-1 to close Highlands Elementary next fall

BRAINTREE -- April 10, 2026, Braintree School Committee votes 6-1 to close Highlands Elementary and reopen Old South as an elementary school for fall 2026. Member Paul Kirsberg moved the closure over objections from Town Council President Peter Morin and Councilor Ryan Sterling, who argued the committee lacked a building reuse plan, unanswered redistricting questions, and reliable savings projections. Member Liam Fogarty, casting the sole no vote, said he could not support the closure without a clearer master plan and more public input, noting that capacity figures for the same buildings differed by more than 100 students between the two consultants hired over successive years. Superintendent Kara McDonald said the district estimates it owes approximately $500,000 to the MSBA on the Highlands grant and $250,000 on Old South, with repayment terms pending. The closure affects roughly 315 students, nearly all of whom currently walk or are driven and would require bus service to the Old South site.