[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6158930,"mediaKeyId","5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1","parentId",5457102,"title","Superintendent: district will draft competency‑determination policy following DESE guidance","audioSeconds",81,"startMs",3375000,"endMs",3456000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1&start=3375&end=3456","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1/thumbnail_3375000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6158930/Massachusetts/Superintendent-district-will-draft-competencydetermination-policy-following-DESE-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158930-cd5fb3f1b111366fd8f7c74862cfb718/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447563&Signature=DKK5QkYG1RUT4uQ8b0-aWiS2IWg~86Pqcf4O8yNcfIaLP7lTrCJMrDXIIfMHR8QbG9elYHZlNE70X7O32qttHtVac-jr32dNzs8ZwJ76Hr14Zii55AS1klHULsxZS50H5ImNKJGzP73VHSfW0QLUNi7wrDSQe-rt44qVGd9IFsOehWIx1qOGBv5jxlpec-FFgKkpEpimIgrAclJijLmM4MCcwPNHvyL56~Yi0FjxW1KfmlC0IlaadCkAnyIJDckYYFD1mb0zvXrGAFhCGvxj50Pzq0PskLfi3aPbKGC1Mmi5HRHH-6I1QenstRsPJmVFrlRRue7ItCVR26t46dQgTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District, MA","date","2025-07-24T03:27:00.823Z","article","Superintendent Powers told the Bridgewater‑Raynham School Committee on July 23 that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released guidance for local competency determination and that the district will develop a policy to comply with the guidance.

Why it matters: DESE guidance affects how the district documents students' competency for graduation following changes to MCAS‑based competency determinations. Powers said the district must adopt a local policy that meets the department's guidance and that the full school committee must approve the policy by October.

Details: Powers said all students in the class of 2025 fulfilled the district's competency requirements and that the district is currently reviewing the class of 2026. He said the administration will work with the policy subcommittee to draft recommended language and present it to the full committee for adoption before the October deadline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BRRSD School Committee Meeting 7-23-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The superintendent told the committee the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued guidance on local competency determination; the district will work with its policy subcommittee and aims to have a policy approved by October.","taxTitle","Bridgewater-Raynham, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",38283,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6158935,"Committee approves fee increases and authorizes multi‑million dollar carryovers amid staffing cuts",884,4582000,5466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1&start=4582&end=5466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1/thumbnail_4582000.jpg","/articles/6158935/Massachusetts/Committee-approves-fee-increases-and-authorizes-multimillion-dollar-carryovers-amid-staffing-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158935-fd3ffa92965ccc6bddfdaab63a019ea8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447563&Signature=GJoDZBYTDMO04mOOk~BWhYatydcpZvmBfxviTGPmbx1G5Bum1jZWMtSEIuxf7kKI~ZXnzxI5-QrfCsB8BqXXN8zdjU9kDYerj0iTDcQVzlK0qTSEcMrjN~RYaUkBHHucattcW1p-QFkSj3nISgL9IZgXMZvfnwCt2s7EQrY1pbK5FAAp2SuXdetv9x9aWZZUk76bvVYS1bDFwRjPEyH7dR6Gp~ibNRwt2H2D872lV7USmDI6lSuhTyMZptxZwXQ6C6hl7Z91rNrgoaMKIrMKWZeO8ZFUJjbk5d7dqwbYPtMtH1YMJY~loCfOiubjP3ZS6pt7H2vYRSU0tpIz7rVdyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 23 meeting, the Bridgewater‑Raynham School Committee approved revisions to the 2025–26 fee schedule and authorized carryover of several large year‑end balances while discussing staffing changes caused by the district's fiscal shortfall.

Why it matters: the district is operating with limited funds after a failed override. Administrators said fee increases and prudent forecasting help balance services and bring some programs closer to self‑sufficiency while carryovers cover invoices and capital projects that were not completed before fiscal‑year close.

Fee changes: the committee approved a range of fee increases. The most notable change raises athletic fees to $600 per student per sport, with no family cap; administrators said a $900 fee would fully cover program costs but might depress participation, so the committee selected $600 as a balance between revenue and access. Music and instrumental lesson fees were raised (for example, middle school instrumental lessons were increased from $88 to $120), and marching band fees were increased to $300 based on booster group recommendations. Powers said the athletics increase, if current participation holds, could generate roughly $500,000 to offset the operating budget.

Year‑end carryovers and capital: the committee approved several carryovers: payroll carryover of $95,669.72; vendor carryovers totaling $2,579,923.07; and capital project carryovers of $810,000. Administration explained many carryovers represent invoices that arrive after fiscal‑year end, out‑of‑district tuition that spans June, and projects that could not be scheduled before June. Committee members requested more detailed status columns in future carryover documents to distinguish late invoices from unfinished projects.

Staffing and program impacts: Superintendent Powers summarized staffing effects of the budget, saying roughly 10 retirements will not be refilled and “potentially another 20 teaching positions” could be affected; support staff reductions were also noted. Powers said the district prioritized student services positions when possible and is working to bring staff back where feasible. Committee members and staff discussed dual‑enrollment options with Bridgewater State as a potential mitigation for lost electives at the high school but cautioned that guidance counselor availability and timing may limit immediate implementation.

Next steps: administration will publish fee schedule changes to registration portals and provide a detailed status report on capital carryover projects at the August meeting. The committee scheduled an audit workshop in August and asked that select board and town council members be invited as observers.","The school committee approved increased user fees — including a $600 athletic fee per sport — and authorized large carryovers for payroll, vendors and capital projects while administrators described staffing reductions and efforts to restore positions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6158940,"Superintendent contracts UMass Collins Center for budget review after towns request independent audit",808,2028000,2836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1&start=2028&end=2836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1/thumbnail_2028000.jpg","/articles/6158940/Massachusetts/Superintendent-contracts-UMass-Collins-Center-for-budget-review-after-towns-request-independent-audit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158940-8a50e26a644edc6ba5fb08432ab09dbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447563&Signature=m4iR6tvoSYVy5Hsq1~M7qLiQChLg5WRX8KVtOoAgsCE39jPaY3CAvmXZcZTIvfJWaufEOvTmErZ5PMdeewnNHsRH5yZkZ8Zp5CKZvmF9TAB1QWcw0U-bXFOaljV8qZlMe5EAZ8dHcueGPgslR6icdd8cyP6FEEpolHta9px4SGhSB92o8Lu2gc7Z0kbtMnlfZ850JeXZDCvoRx-~hSDqc4vINLIf9EnQVPUwRf9tuIDyIvdKSI4KeEVaO9POcRVW9G9AOdURBBluE9TWlLKHwMYXxCTS0t78rtEBrmzoK5MDpFK9TrwH~fqed3aSqV66JM6w6qD~AHC3-SUs~2gWig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bridgewater‑Raynham School Committee discussed and confirmed an ongoing engagement with the Collins Center at the University of Massachusetts Boston to carry out an operational and financial review and to develop a more user‑friendly “budget book,” the superintendent said at the July 23 meeting.

Why it matters: both the Bridgewater Town Council and the Raynham select board sent joint letters asking the committee to commission an independent review that would examine budgeting procedures, personnel and special education costs, use of revolving funds and compliance with financial controls. The letters asked the committee for a formal response; the committee discussed a reply and a proposed schedule for joint meetings with town officials.

What the district has done: Superintendent Powers said he proactively contacted the Collins Center in May and that the district “entered into an agreement with them to begin to work on reviewing our budget practices.” He described the center as a reputable public‑management unit within UMass Boston and said the initial scope includes producing a budget book, forecasting work and alignment with Association of School Business Officials best practices. Powers said the district paid an initial portion of the contract from fiscal‑year‑2025 end‑of‑year funds and that the total contract amount in the proposal is $32,500.

Committee concerns and next steps: school committee members urged coordination with the towns and asked whether the towns should fund any additional or deeper reviews beyond the Collins Center scope. Several members said the towns are joint funders of the district and asked for a collaborative process; others noted the district had started the Collins Center engagement before receiving the town letters and cautioned against duplicating effort or duplicative cost. Members agreed to draft a response letter acknowledging the towns' requests, summarizing the Collins Center engagement, and offering a joint meeting in September so both towns and the committee can hear progress updates.

Administration noted the Collins Center can pivot the scope if additional deep dives are needed; the committee said it would review findings and consider expanding scope only if necessary and with clarity on funding.","After receiving letters from the towns of Bridgewater and Raynham requesting an independent operational and financial review, the district engaged the Collins Center at UMass Boston to produce a budget book, review practices and suggest improvements; the committee discussed coordination with the towns and funding for any expanded scope.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6158945,"School committee approves Schooley Mitchell engagement and five-year Allstate Waste contract",1192,138000,1330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1&start=138&end=1330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457102-7a4db80da8058e5750fe5f6dab99faf1/thumbnail_138000.jpg","/articles/6158945/Massachusetts/School-committee-approves-Schooley-Mitchell-engagement-and-five-year-Allstate-Waste-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158945-c0738be525c296d7bc0b36e16bb21def/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447563&Signature=Wo2j7lNoS21Bwe~hors7JO-oXU3lmVpzHeV65DD4R3s~-fTxo8I1xY0bbZ9XSpjvMQvbL9tE8EG-8Rg2Ii0bOjSO03PTzt2JruBGVaZoImN1OFNW8QW~6txyifDFwmJ71yZlfLaijpYXqP1Qr3DKghWGGraNDxsKQc1JWi91LG5kxgMTjunEh36o27qgBsZS62IgbQPTMZp9Sh7OKIPS5ZhKn2a4GqemZYNXltEvgRs9HtrhoiS78bfCbNkm0KapO1VJFlDmBuDY2mGPtcFxkmFqfkPqOZWJc3CNXGsdr1-ZAWdrzm5xRecr77vqrNrYKvFR0q1TuO6jdMlbeJzJUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a July 23, 2025 regular meeting at Raytheon Middle School, the Bridgewater-Raynham School Committee authorized the superintendent to contract with Schooley Mitchell for a contingency-based cost‑reduction analysis and approved a separate five‑year waste and recycling contract with Allstate Waste. The committee voted to pay Schooley Mitchell 50% of any realized cost savings for the first 36 months of the five‑year Allstate agreement.

The committee said it approved the move to pursue contracted market review after facing fiscal pressure this year. Superintendent Powers introduced Brian Berry of Schooley Mitchell and said the firm had reviewed district invoices and produced potential savings recommendations. “We don't charge any fees unless we're able to find savings,” Brian Berry told the committee, describing Schooley Mitchell's contingency model and post‑implementation invoice monitoring.

Why it matters: the committee has been operating under a 1/12 budget after a failed override and is seeking predictable multi‑year cost forecasts. Powers said locking into a longer Allstate contract gave the district a steadier rate after years of volatile year‑to‑year increases.

Details and committee concerns: Schooley Mitchell identified telecommunications and waste service as areas with near‑term potential; Berry said telecommunications (internet, phones, security lines) “could have something in the next 30 to 60 days.” On waste, the analysis presented three Allstate options; the district selected a five‑year term to secure lower annual increases, Powers said. Berry said the example savings shown in the analysis included a 36.5% reduction in one scenario; under the signed service agreement the firm would realize half of the first 36 months' savings, after which the district would retain 100% of the realized savings.

Committee members asked about procurement rules and whether Schooley Mitchell duplicated work of the business office. Powers replied that procurement thresholds for regional school districts require competitive processes above certain dollar levels and that Schooley Mitchell's contingency analysis complements rather than replaces procurement work. Committee members also asked about conflict of interest; Berry said Schooley Mitchell presents multiple vendor negotiations to the client and “you pick and choose what you want.”

On the Allstate contract, Powers said the five‑year option provided a smaller, locked percentage increase than recent single‑year renewals that ranged up to double digits. The administration estimated total realized savings across the five‑year period at $156,786; the committee was told that after the consultant's share during the first three years the district would realize the full savings in years four and five.

Formal actions: the committee voted to authorize the superintendent to enter into the Schooley Mitchell engagement tied to the Allstate procurement and separately voted to authorize the director of business services to sign a five‑year contract with Allstate Waste Management. The chair called the motions approved after members answered “Aye.” The meeting transcript records the motions as passed by a committee majority.

What happens next: Powers said the superintendent's office will bring Allstate contract documents to business and budget committees and that Schooley Mitchell will continue invoice monitoring and vendor negotiation work for the term specified in the agreement.","The Bridgewater-Raynham School Committee authorized a contingency-fee contract with Schooley Mitchell to seek operating savings and approved a five-year waste and recycling contract with Allstate Waste that the district and consultant say will produce multi-year savings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent: district will draft competency‑determination policy following DESE guidance

Committee approves fee increases and authorizes multi‑million dollar carryovers amid staffing cuts

Superintendent contracts UMass Collins Center for budget review after towns request independent audit

School committee approves Schooley Mitchell engagement and five-year Allstate Waste contract