The meeting began with a lively public comment section, where issues such as staffing shortages and large class sizes took center stage. Ashley Mard, a parent and educator, voiced the community’s frustration over the disparity in per-pupil expenditures between Bridgewater and neighboring towns. Mard pointed out that the per-pupil spending in Bridgewater is among the lowest in Massachusetts, resulting in class sizes that reached up to 33 students in some instances. She stressed the urgency for increased funding, stating, “We can’t tolerate class sizes as large as they are anymore.”

Another speaker, Lisa Bor Genie, echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the district’s budgetary approach in light of the area’s housing developments. She highlighted challenges faced by teachers due to inadequate staffing, noting, “1,500 kids have one music teacher,” which she argued leads to educator burnout. The call for increased funding was further supported by Dennis Gallagher, a state representative, who updated attendees on a proposed $2.7 million increase in Chapter 70 funding for the district. Gallagher acknowledged that while promising, the increase was only a preliminary step.

The committee also addressed the ongoing fiscal year 2025 budget issues, specifically the deficit in the revolving account responsible for before and after school care and other programs. Despite efforts to mitigate the gap through increased fees and an online sign-up system, challenges persist, particularly with summer and pre-kindergarten programs. Recommendations to separate financial tracking of the summer program were discussed as a means to enhance fiscal oversight.

In addition to funding and staffing concerns, the meeting highlighted student-led initiatives, including the Bridging Lives club’s efforts to raise awareness about substance abuse and the Hour of Code event that integrated music and technology.

Superintendent Ryan T. Powers presented a preliminary budget for the district, emphasizing the need for substantial funding increases to address rising student needs. The district’s demographic shifts, including a rise in high-needs students, economically disadvantaged populations, and English language learners, necessitate additional staffing and resources. Superintendent Powers remarked on the district’s challenges, noting, “when our percentage of high need students goes up, that does require an amount of service.”

The proposed budget includes restoring positions previously cut, hiring new staff, and addressing class size concerns. The need for additional special education teachers and interventionists was a focal point, as the district attempts to keep pace with its growing high-needs student population. The budget also accounts for increasing transportation and utility costs, with discussions on optimizing bus routes to manage rising enrollment efficiently.

Another topic was the need to restore facilities and custodial staff positions previously reduced due to budget constraints. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining operational effectiveness, particularly as utility and health insurance costs continue to rise.

Public comments reiterated the importance of prioritizing classroom teachers to reduce class sizes, with speakers expressing concerns over the quality of education in overcrowded classrooms. The community’s emphasis on smaller class sizes reflects a broader desire for a focused approach to staffing that begins in the classroom. The discussions closed with a call for continued community engagement, urging stakeholders to participate in advocating for increased educational resources.