The Inside Scoop: Select Board Chair Pat Riley talks with Superintendent Powers, and School Committee Chair King Ahead of Prop 2-½ vote
Rising costs, enrollment growth drive need for additional funding to maintain educational quality
RAYNHAM - June 3 - Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District officials are urging residents to support a Proposition 2-½ override in the upcoming June 24 special town election, citing significant financial challenges that threaten educational quality across the district.
Superintendent Ryan Powers and School Committee Chair Rachel King presented their case during a recent "Inside Scoop" program, highlighting how rising costs and enrollment growth have created an urgent need for additional funding.
"We realize that our request to both towns is significant and that's not lost on us. But we feel as though that we put a request forward that really is reflective of the needs and what our students deserve," Powers said.
The district faces several major financial pressures, including an enrollment increase of more than 400 students over the past five years – bucking the statewide trend of declining student populations.
Health insurance costs represent another significant burden, with rates increasing by 15 percent this year, well above the typical 10 percent annual increase the district had budgeted for.
"Harvard Pilgrim came back and they tell us to typically estimate around 10 percent each year for health insurance... But this year they said they're planning on 20 percent. And that was something that we were not prepared for," Powers explained.
Special education expenses are also rising as the percentage of students requiring specialized services has grown from 16 percent to 20 percent of the student population over the past five years.
The district currently has 47 students in out-of-district placements, with 42 in day programs and five in residential facilities. These placements can cost between $65,000 and $500,000 per student annually, including transportation expenses.
"We have to give them special education services that they need and deserve. But the state is not funding those things," King said. "The increase in expenses is not keeping up with the aid that we're seeing."
Without the override, officials warn of significant negative impacts across all grade levels. Elementary class sizes could reach 28-33 students per class, middle school classes could have 30-36 students, and high school classes would consistently exceed 30 students.
The high school could lose approximately 40 elective courses, including Advanced Placement offerings and the entire business department. Extracurricular activities and athletics might require substantial fee increases or face elimination.
"We don't want to have classes of 40. We want to have classes in the 20s," Powers said. "But something has to give."
If the override passes, the district plans to add up to 25 staff positions initially, with the potential to reach 37 positions over time. This would allow for reduced class sizes, particularly in the primary grades, where officials hope to achieve class sizes in the low to mid-20s.
King emphasized that the budget committee thoroughly examined all options before requesting the override.
"The huge majority of our budget is staff. What we do is teach children. So there's not a lot of things that we could cut out," she said. "We can't cut utilities, we can't cut many things. We can't cut any more supplies than we've already have every year. So what we can cut is staff. And that's where we don't want to because from kindergarten through 12th grade, those are all staff that we need."
Powers noted that Bridgewater-Raynham is not alone in its financial struggles, with numerous neighboring communities facing similar challenges.
"Just look at our local area. Easton is in the same situation. They're going for an override. Mansfield just went for an override. Norton went for an override last year. They're going for another override this year. Whitman-Hanson, Hanover, Milton. So there's so many communities that are in our area that expenses are outpacing revenue," he said.
The district has posted detailed budget information and presentations on its website, including the potential impacts if the override fails to pass.
For residents with questions about tax implications, the town will hold a meeting on June 10 featuring the school superintendent, finance director, and a representative from the board of assessors who will explain tax abatement options for seniors and veterans.
"I'm a taxpayer. I know what my tax bill is going to look like with that. And I'm a two-income family and our bills are still tight sometimes. I can't imagine that there's seniors out there, that's gonna, they're gonna feel that and I'm aware of that," King acknowledged.
The special town election for the Proposition 2-½ override is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of The Inside Scoop and The Raynham Channel.
This article was generated with artificial intelligence. Please contact us with any accuracy concerns.