Bridgewater-Raynham reports enrollment near 5,400, 48 staff lost and transportation strains; committee approves routine warrants, invoices and policies

Superintendent John Powers told the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee on Sept. 24 that enrollment is "hovering right around" 5,400 students and that the district has lost 48 staff positions, contributing to larger class sizes, operational strain and fewer elective offerings.

"We have lost 48 staff members," Powers said. "That isn't just about class size. It's about operations and looking at other areas of the district where it has had a negative impact."

Powers reported that pending registrations had fallen from 73 to 35 after outreach by registration staff. He said class sizes at lower grades are in the high 20s, some middle-school classes are in the mid-30s and several high-school core and elective classes are in the mid-to-high 30s. He said a small number of middle-school classes reached 35 or 36 students and some high-school electives were in the 40s.

Transportation problems tied to driver shortages have caused some routes to run long, Powers said; the district is adding certified drivers in the coming weeks to reduce double-routes and long runs. On athletics, Powers said 319 athletes were rostered for the fall after initial sign-ups; collection of the $600 participation fee is underway with 265 payments received and outreach to families who still owe funds.

Powers also described a pilot in-school dental program with Commonwealth Mobile Oral Health Services to provide on-site dental assessment and basic care to students with parental consent. He said the organization has worked with schools and community agencies for more than 40 years and the district will proceed cautiously if the program is implemented.

The committee also discussed recent joint meetings with Bridgewater and Raynham municipal officials about the FY27 budget timeline, capital planning and the potential scope and funding of an operational review. Powers said the district will continue to meet monthly with town officials during the budget season.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda approved: minutes (08/20/2025), payroll warrants (08/21/2025, 09/05/2025, 09/12/2025), acceptance of grants, personnel report, high-school graduation date (May 29, 2026, 6 p.m., rain date May 30, 2026 at 10 a.m.), and acceptance of a $1,750 grant from the Bridgewater Cultural Council to Rainwater Players. Motion to approve made by Richard Loach and seconded by Michael Fitzgibbons; chair announced the motion passed.

- Authorization to pay prior fiscal-year 2025 invoices totaling $32,396.72: motion made by Richard Loach and seconded by Michael Fitzgibbons; voted and approved.

- General ledger warrants dated 06/30/2025, 08/21/2025, 08/31/2025 and 09/04/2025 approved: motion made by Michael Fitzgibbons, second by Miss Davenport; passed.

- Policy actions: First reading approved for policy KI, Visitors to School (motion by Conrad LaMarinto; second by Mr. Moshe). The committee waived a second reading for IMG, Animals and Schools, and then voted to adopt policy IMG, Animals and Schools (motion to adopt by Conrad LaMarinto; second by Richard Loach). The committee will conduct a second reading of KI at the October meeting.

The meeting packet included supplemental enrollment charts and class-size details that Powers said will be updated after DESE certification. Committee members and administrators said they will continue outreach to families about registration, athletic fees and transportation to minimize disruptions through the fall.