School Committee Approves Schooley Mitchell's Waste Management Cost Savings Contract

The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District (BRRSD) is taking significant steps to address budget challenges by partnering with Schooley Mitchell for cost-saving analysis on waste management and other services. During the recent school committee meeting on July 23, 2025, the committee approved a motion to enter into a five-year contract with Allstate Waste Management, which is expected to yield substantial savings for the district.

Brian Berry, a representative from Schooley Mitchell, presented the potential for cost reductions across various expense categories, including telecommunications and waste management. Berry emphasized that their services are contingency-based, meaning they only charge fees if they successfully identify savings. He noted that the analysis could lead to savings of up to 36% in waste management costs.

The committee discussed the implications of this partnership, particularly in light of a recent failed budget override that has left the district seeking ways to cut costs. Superintendent Powers highlighted the importance of locking in predictable rates for waste management, which have historically fluctuated significantly under year-to-year contracts. The new agreement with Allstate Waste is designed to stabilize these costs and improve budget forecasting.

Concerns were raised about the overlap between Schooley Mitchell's services and the existing capabilities of the district's business office. However, it was clarified that Schooley Mitchell's expertise in negotiating vendor contracts and analyzing expenses would complement the district's efforts rather than replace them.

The committee ultimately voted in favor of the agreement, with the expectation that the partnership will not only streamline operations but also potentially free up funds for critical educational resources, such as teacher salaries. The anticipated savings over the five-year period could amount to approximately $156,786, with the district retaining 100% of the savings after the initial three years of shared savings with Schooley Mitchell.

As the district moves forward with this initiative, the focus will remain on maximizing efficiency and ensuring that every dollar saved can be redirected to enhance educational opportunities for students.