Dear friends-

Earlier this week, Braintree Public Schools went back to school. As the mom of three, I know how big of a day this is for so many families (on so many levels), and I know there were many hugs, high-fives, and tears shed. This is going to be a great year, I can just feel it!

Whether you have kids in BPS or not, what happens in our public schools should matter to you. BPS is the single largest line item in the Town's budget and there is a direct correlation between school success and home values.

Unfortunately, the current mayor has not made education a priority nor has he crafted a meaningful plan to maintain the reputation of our schools for generations moving forward. School facilities have been consistently underfunded by this administration and status-quo is far from good enough.

While we celebrated the opening of the new South Middle School last week -- thanks to tremendous efforts of Braintree voters and taxpayers and current and past Town and School leaders -- it did not negate the fact that Braintree teachers went 8 months without a contract and almost went on strike less than 6 months ago. The Town of Braintree faces a looming budget deficit for next year -- of which the current mayor won't even acknowledge -- so how are we going to tackle adequately funding our new teacher contracts, repairing our remaining six elementary schools, retrofitting the old south school building, renovating or replacing the antiquated high school, and bringing back programs lost during COVID? We have a long list of things we need, but the first is a plan and we need one now.

My experience as Co-President of the Hollis School PTO and past Planning Board Chair have given me a comprehensive understanding of our school budget and challenges ahead. One thing is abundantly clear to me as we embark on another year, our teachers, staff, custodians, bus drivers, and administrators are amazing but they need more support and better infrastructure in place to continue to do the job. It is time that Braintree has a Mayor committed to providing children, families, and educators with the resources necessary to provide educational excellence.

Countless parents, teachers, and school leaders are supporting our campaign and I promise to work hard for families who have invested in Braintree and look forward to educating their children in Braintree Public Schools.

It's time that we get Braintree Back on Track. Please join our campaign today!

Sincerely,

Erin Joyce

Candidate for Braintree Mayor