Neighbor News
Braintree Faces Serious Financial Crisis, 100 Educators in Jeopardy
$18 million budget deficit will lead to major layoffs and reduction or elimination of services across police, fire, education, public works
100 educator positions are already in jeopardy as Braintree faces an $18 million town-wide financial crisis.
This deficit will lead to major layoffs and reduction or elimination of services in police, fire, education and DPW departments. Teacher layoffs are already underway, with Superintendent Jim Lee quoted as saying he supports none of the reductions, saying that they would "dismantle the school system."
Residents, teachers and students have been calling on town officials to exhaust all options in solving this crisis, including bringing a Proposition 2.5 tax override to a vote-- in addition to a full audit and a vetted, long-term strategy to bring in revenue. Residents are also calling for expansion of senior tax relief as much as possible as part of a tax override.
Find out what's happening in Braintreefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Earlier this week, the threat of possible closure of Highlands Elementary galvanized the community further to demand full transparency and verifiable validation of any plans brought forth to close the gap.
The residents of Braintree rely on public services for education, safety, and support. Cuts to these departments mean:
Police and Fire:
Find out what's happening in Braintreefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Reduction in staff
- Reduction of training and equipment
- Compromised firefighter and officer safety
- Limited resources for protective gear, advanced technology and medical support
Education:
- Reduction in staff
- Larger class sizes
- Limits to elective classes
- Reduction in services
- Change of graduation requirements
- Closure of one or more schools
Department of Public Works:
- Reduction in staff
- Deferred maintenance for essential infrastructure
- Reduced services
- Impact on road and safety
- Cuts to environmental initiatives
- Loss of expertise and efficiency
This crisis comes in the wake of years of financial mismanagement, and the long term solution will need to be comprehensive and sustainable.
The school committee will hold a public hearing on the budget proposal at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Cahill Auditorium of town hall. Mayor Erin Joyce will submit the full town budget to town council on April 30.
