The committee also addressed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing the impact of potential budget constraints on staffing and programming. They committed to avoiding leaving positions unfilled or reducing staff. The discussion included budget contingencies and the allocation of funds for positions such as literacy specialists and interventionists. Concerns were raised regarding the timing of grants and the difficulties they present in planning for positions, as well as the challenges of securing buildings and the ongoing infrastructure projects like the tennis courts, track, and RMS gymnasium floor.

The fiscal 2025 budget was discussed in detail, focusing on the potential impacts on students and efforts to mitigate any adverse effects. The committee considered the surplus declaration of 110 Wi-Fi access points and the potential impact on the budget. The RMS gymnasium floor project, expected to cost between $150,000 to $200,000, with insurance covering approximately $150,000 and the rest coming from the facility budget, was also on the agenda. The capital expense increase for the Liberty HVAC system in Raynham was updated, in addition to the consideration of adding back narrow replacing exterior doors and RMS LED lighting upgrades to the capital budget.

Transportation was another topic, specifically regarding the transport of students who decided not to attend the school but still needed to be transported to their sending district. A discussion ensued about the ramifications of not administering a state test due to underfunding by the state, highlighting the impact on students and graduation requirements, as well as the potential withholding of state funding.

Fixed costs such as transportation, utilities, and insurance have increased significantly, while state funding has not kept pace, posing significant challenges. Inflation’s impact on the budget was also discussed, alongside the need for creative solutions for future budgets. The potential impact on the towns’ fiscal health and the need to engage with the state and towns to secure adequate funding for the next fiscal year were discussed.

The school committee clarified that it has the authority to vote on moving funds between different budget series. A vote was passed to transfer $2 million from the district’s end fund to support the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. A personnel report included various staffing changes, and the proposal for the 2024-2025 school calendar was discussed, with an update on delaying the start of the school year due to the state primary election.

Public comments included a question about representation at town meetings when both towns are presenting their budgets. It was addressed that attendance at these meetings by relevant committee members and the superintendent would ensure that concerns and questions are addressed.