Bridgewater-Raynham committee approves $106.2 million FY26 budget, moves $2 million from reserves

The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee on March 26 approved a fiscal year 2026 operating budget of $106,205,849 and authorized a $2,000,000 transfer from the district's E&D (excess and deficiency) reserve to support that budget.

The panel's vote follows several weeks of public hearings and budget subcommittee meetings that produced a revised proposal the subcommittee presented to the full committee. The approved budget would be reduced by anticipated revenues of $37,985,022 and the $2,000,000 E&D appropriation, leaving $66,220,827 to be apportioned to the member towns. Under the motion as read into the record, Raynham's share was listed as $25,557,638 and Bridgewater's as $40,000,663.

Why it matters: committee members and public speakers said the additional spending aims primarily to reduce elementary class sizes, restore lost courses and staffing at the high school, and shore up special-education staffing to remain in compliance. Committee members said the budget is likely to require voter approval through overrides in both towns.

Most important facts

- Final operating budget (excluding debt and capital): $106,205,849, as moved by the committee. - Anticipated revenue: $37,985,022; E&D appropriation: $2,000,000. Net to be raised from towns: $66,220,827. - Town apportionments in the motion: Raynham $25,557,638; Bridgewater…