BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree residents voted overwhelming to support a $63 million debt exclusion to go towards a new South Middle School and other school building projects, according to unofficial results.
Other projects on the ballot included $5 million to replace roofs at elementary schools, $1.5 million for a feasibility study on redeveloping Braintree High School and $1 million for school security improvements district-wide. All the questions saw large support, with all collecting at least 70 percent of the vote.
Mayor Charles Kokoros called the results a "historic victory for the town of Braintree." He said he was proud of the residents making a commitment for the future of the town's children and the community as a whole.
"In spite of the hardships presented by the pandemic, our community showed its truth strength and character today," Kokoros said in a statement. We should all be proud of the kindness and generosity shown in today's vote. We will continue to make a better Braintree together."
With the approval of the full debt exclusion, property taxes are expected to increase for the average single-family homeowner by $171 per year for five years. After the first five years, the added tax bill is expected to decrease over time. Here's the breakdown of the tax increases:
- Years 1-5: $170.99
- Years 6-10: $155.91
- Years 11-20: 150.88
- Years 20-30: $130.78
The polls were busy at South Middle School as voters made their decision on the future of Braintree schools. Overall, the town's voter turnout for the special election was about 27.4 percent.
Patch spoke with several voters, and the ones we talked to were in support of the debt exclusion.
Former South Middle School teacher Kathy Tuffy spoke from personal experience. She said she used to teach grade 8 math classes in a small classroom that used to be part of the cafeteria. That classroom had one window, one vent and was often "boiling hot," Tuffy said.
Tuffy spoke highly of the school's staff but said the middle school "needs a facility to match those assets."
"The staff is just incredible," she said. "They work so hard, but they need a facility that's safe, that has good ventilation and up to date technology."
"It's good for the kids, it's good for the town, it's good for property values and more importantly, it's well overdue," added former School Committee Chair Lisa Fiske Heger in support of the debt exclusion.
Braintree Special Election Unofficial Results
Question 1: Will voters support a $55.6 million debt exclusion to build a new South Middle School?
Yes: 5,544
No: 1,887
Question 2: Will voters support a $5 million debt exclusion to replace the roofs at the Flaherty, Morrison, Hollis, Liberty, Highlands and Monatiquot schools?
Yes: 5,754
No: 1,673
Question 3: Will voters support a $1.5 million debt exclusion to pay for a feasibility study on the future development of Braintree High School?
Yes: 5,250
No: 2,177
Question 4: Will voters support a $1 million debt exclusion for school security improvements district-wide?
Yes: 5,368
No: 2,060
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September 27, 2020 at 07:00AM
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Braintree Special Election 2020: Live Results - Patch.com
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