School Committee Approves 15.45% Budget Increase for FY2026
Budget aims to address class sizes and special education needs, will require town approvals and likely override votes
March 27, 2025
The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee has approved a $106 million budget for fiscal year 2026, representing a 15.45% increase over the previous year. The budget, which passed with a 7-1 vote at Tuesday's meeting, aims to address class size issues and special education needs across the district.
The approved budget includes funding for up to 37 additional staff positions, primarily focused on reducing class sizes at the elementary and middle school levels.
"Class size will be a priority in this fiscal year 26," said School Committee member Rachel King, who presented the budget on behalf of the Budget Subcommittee.
The budget represents a significant increase from the level services budget previously discussed, which would have maintained current staffing levels but not addressed growing class sizes.
Superintendent Ryan Powers confirmed the budget will have a positive impact on students.
"I am confident that it would address the needs and start to lower caseloads, class size, all within the Special Education department," Powers said.
The budget includes $106.2 million for operational costs, plus capital and debt expenses. This translates to a 19.44% assessment increase for Bridgewater ($45 million) and a 19.24% increase for Raynham ($26 million).
The School Committee will transfer $2 million from its excess and deficiency fund to support the budget, leaving approximately $2.5 million in that account for emergencies.
Several committee members acknowledged the budget will likely require override votes in both towns, as the increases exceed what town officials have indicated they can fund through regular taxation.
"Even my level services budget, they could not afford. Today's budget with a 17% increase, they definitely cannot afford this will have to go to an override," King said.
Committee member Lou D'Amarino proposed an amendment to adopt Superintendent Powers' originally proposed $109 million budget from January, arguing it better addressed student needs. That amendment failed 5-3.
"I'm always going to advocate for more," D'Amarino said. "I want what's best. I am a product of this school district. I have pride in this school district. It hurts me to see what we're dealing with right now."
King defended the approved budget as a responsible compromise.
"I feel strongly that this is the best budget that we can put forward to make a positive impact. I know that it's going to be a slower incremental impact than some of our members prefer, but I think it's being fiscally responsible and making an impact," she said.
The budget aims to reduce class sizes across most grade levels. For example, fourth grade classes in Bridgewater would decrease from 30 students to 25, while Raynham fourth grade classes would drop from 30 to 23.
Committee Chair Timothy Fitzgibbons emphasized the importance of community support for the budget.
"Everybody here who wants that big number needs to get out and work hard to assure that that big number is actually, in fact funded," Fitzgibbons said. "We have a very, very small needle to thread here with two towns and two votes."
Both the Bridgewater Town Council and Raynham Town Meeting must approve the budget. If they don't appropriate the requested funds, the district could be forced to operate on a 1/12 budget based on the current year's spending.
Paul Murphy, vice president of the Bridgewater Town Council, expressed support for the budget during public comment.
"I will advocate for this budget to appear on a ballot coming up because I believe it is our responsibility to put it for the town to make those decisions," Murphy said.
Fifth-grade student Carly Hunter also addressed the committee, describing the challenges of large class sizes.
"Learning can be challenging. Large class sizes make it difficult for me to focus, get help from my teachers and feel confident asking questions in front of everyone," Hunter said. "We deserve classrooms where we can actually focus, ask questions and get help when we need it."
The budget now moves to the towns for consideration, with Bridgewater expected to vote on May 9, followed by Raynham's town meeting shortly after. If approved, override votes would likely be scheduled for June.
In addition to the budget discussion, the School Committee:
* Recognized the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School wrestling team for their successful season, which included winning three tournaments and placing second at Division II States
* Heard Student Advisory Council reports on events including Mr. BR, DECA Business Club achievements, and winter color guard competitions
* Approved the 2025-2026 school calendar
* Acknowledged that Committee members D'Amarino and Martelli will not seek re-election
* Appointed Michael Losche to the negotiating and budget committees, replacing Martelli
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for April 16.