School Committee Approves $103.8M Budget, 7-1
Bridgewater-Raynham School Committee votes 7-1 to send towns a $103.8 million budget restoring 10 lost positions. Member Salinas cast the sole no vote, saying 10 restored positions, out of 72 cut in two years, won't meaningfully shrink classes that have topped 35 students.
School Committee · Meeting of March 25, 2026
RAYNHAM — Bridgewater-Raynham School Committee votes 7-1 to send towns a $103.8 million budget restoring 10 lost positions. Member Salinas cast the sole no vote, saying 10 restored positions, out of 72 cut in two years, won't meaningfully shrink classes that have topped 35 students. Chair Rachel King called it "a positive step" but admitted "none of us really like this budget." Bridgewater's assessment rises 9.87 percent and Raynham's 7.8 percent; state Chapter 70 and 71 aid grows just 0.58 percent.
A CLA consultant's $70,000 operational review found eighth-to-ninth-grade attrition climbed to 28.2 percent. Member Hoy-Thomas said classes under 30 "are pathetic and appalling" but voted yes anyway. The committee also moved $2 million from reserves and approved $3,938,337.50 in debt costs unanimously.
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Source: the School Committee meeting of March 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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