Town Council Approves New Roofs For South Middle, Ross Elementary

BRAINTREE, MA — Both South Middle School and Ross Elementary School will receive full roof replacements following a terrible March storm that brought damage to both schools.

The town council approved $3 million Monday to put new roofs on both buildings, along with about $363,000 to pay for the emergency work to install a temporary roof.

Sections of both roofs suffered serious damage during an early March storm which brought snow and hurricane-speed winds to the area. School and town officials were forced to scramble to clean up both schools and install a temporary roof so classes could resume.

"I don’t think anyone wakes up in the morning wishing a roof gets ripped off our elementary schools and views it as an opportunity to improve our schools. I think we do a good job of planning our capital upgrades. This was literally like a hurricane which effected our schools. It wasn’t through neglect or lack of oversight," Councilor Sean Powers said.

While the council approved $3 million, the final bill may have a lower total. Mayor Joseph Sullivan said the town could receive an insurance reimbursement of up to $1.6 million. The check, however, may take up to two years to arrive.

Superintendent Frank Hackett said the work will be a full roof replacement.

Several council members praised the schools' staff for working around the clock to get the building ready for students.

Image via Braintree Public Schools