The East Bridgewater School Committee on Tuesday voted to certify a reduced‑services fiscal 2026 school budget of $28,390,177 and approved a package of routine actions including continuing the district's school‑choice program for grades 7 through 12.

The committee certified the FY26 figure after a budget subcommittee review and conversation with town finance representatives. Superintendent Gina said the committee should "certify this number and continue to work with the town," noting negotiations with the teachers' union and outstanding state Chapter 70 figures that could change the final numbers.

Committee members described the process as collaborative with town officials and the finance committee while acknowledging the district is projecting an approximately $1.5 million increase over the prior fiscal year and that staff and other estimates remain under negotiation. Dave Walsh of the Finance Committee attended budget discussions and worked with the committee on details, members said.

The committee also voted to continue accepting school‑choice students in grades 7–12 and set a working cap of up to 40 seats for 2025'026. Superintendent Gina and the high school principal recommended that, given projected reductions in some middle‑grade cohorts, the principal be involved in reviewing applications and that the superintendent make final acceptance decisions. The committee asked administration to return in April with a documented application/review timeline and process before offers are finalized.

Other business carried by the committee included adopting a model School District Wellness Program policy (MASC ADF), accepting a donation of gift cards and refreshments for the junior‑senior high school gala, approving payroll and accounts‑payable warrants, approving a homeschool education plan as recommended by the assistant superintendent, and approving the East Bridgewater Veterans Service Officer to assist with diploma presentation for graduates entering military service.

The meeting closed with a motion to enter executive session under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 2(a), for the purpose of collective bargaining discussions with the East Bridgewater Education Association.

Votes at a glance

- Certify FY26 reduced‑services budget at $28,390,177 — outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Continue accepting school‑choice students, grades 7–12, up to 40 seats — outcome: approved.
- Adopt School District Wellness Program policy (MASC ADF) — outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Approve Veterans Service Officer Chris Buckley to assist with diploma presentation for graduates entering military service — outcome: approved.
- Accept donation from Philip and Deborah J.C. (gift cards and refreshments for junior/senior high school gala) — outcome: approved.
- Payroll warrants (33PS 02/12/2025 and 35PS 02/26/2025) — outcome: approved (vote included 1 abstention).
- Accounts payable warrants (SW 34 and SW 36) — outcome: approved.
- Approve Homeschool Education Plan as reviewed and recommended by the assistant superintendent — outcome: approved.
- Motion to enter executive session under M.G.L. c.30A sec.2(a) for collective bargaining — outcome: approved.

Why it matters

The certified FY26 figure is the number the district transmits to the town for inclusion in the municipal budget process and to be printed in the town meeting packet. School‑choice decisions determine the number of nonresident students the district will accept and the associated tuition revenue the district can use for programming. The wellness policy adoption satisfies state review and updates district policy for school health and food service compliance.

What the committee said

Superintendent Gina summarized the district's position: "My contention... I would have us certify this number and continue to work with the town." Members thanked budget subcommittee members and Finance Committee representative Dave Walsh for their work.

What's next

The committee asked administration to provide a documented school‑choice application and review process at the April meeting and said it would continue to negotiate and look for ways to reduce the FY26 request before town meeting.