EAST BRIDGEWATER - December 16, 2025 - Facing a grim financial forecast for the upcoming fiscal year, the East Bridgewater School Committee learned that the town has directed all departments to cut their budgets by 2 percent. This mandate, combined with skyrocketing Plymouth County Retirement assessments described by officials as “crippling,” sets the stage for a difficult budget season.
The Full Story
The financial outlook dominated the final School Committee meeting of 2025. Director of Business Administration John Shea dropped the most significant news during his financial update, revealing the town’s directive for the next fiscal year.
“The town has told us that they want us to decrease 2 percent,” Shea told the committee, estimating the impact on the school department alone would be significant. “You’re looking at [a cut of] $450,000 right there.” [[49:55]]
The budget contraction comes as the district wrestles with aggressive assessment increases from the Plymouth County Retirement Association. Committee Chair Dan Picha voiced strong frustration to visiting State Representative Alyson Sullivan-Almeida regarding the payment schedule forced upon the town.
“There’s frustration because it’s crippling the town, and in particular the schools, and being forced to pay it back over a shorter term than what the actual legislature says is available... it’s falling on deaf ears at Plymouth County.” — Chair Dan Picha [[07:06]]
Representative Sullivan-Almeida, who provided a legislative update alongside mentioning accolades for the district’s preschool program, sympathized with the town’s plight. She criticized state-level fiscal management when discussing the Municipality Empowerment Act, a proposal she fears would simply shift tax burdens to local property owners.
“My opinion is we don’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem at the state level... I don’t think it’s fair that the state is putting this type of burden on individual communities.” — State Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida [[12:12]]
New Central School Timeline Confirmed Superintendent Gina Williams provided a critical update on the new Central School building project. The timeline is now locked in, with a projected move-in date of September 2028 [[32:51]].
Visible changes will begin soon. Williams noted that the softball fields will be taken over for site work beginning March 1, 2026, requiring the relocation of spring sports teams to other fields in town [[31:58]]. The district is currently interviewing nine firms for the Construction Manager at Risk position, with interviews scheduled for mid-January.
Preschool Tuition & Snow Days In other business, the committee voted to increase preschool tuition rates by 4 percent for the 2026-2027 school year. Shea explained the increase is necessary to cover contractual salary obligations for staff, ensuring the program remains self-sustaining [[41:09]]. Member Leslie McDonough abstained from the vote as a preschool parent, though she praised the program as “worth every penny.”
Superintendent Williams also clarified a change to the district’s inclement weather policy. The “1-hour delay” option has been eliminated because it was deemed ineffective. Going forward, the district will utilize only 2-hour delays or full cancellations [[37:23]].
Why It Matters
The town’s directive to cut the school budget by 2% represents a potential loss of nearly half a million dollars in funding. For residents, this signals that the upcoming budget cycle (Fiscal Year 2027) could involve service reductions, staff attrition, or larger class sizes unless alternative funding is found. The “crippling” retirement costs further restrict the town’s ability to invest in classroom resources, as mandatory fixed costs consume a larger share of the taxpayer dollar.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve preschool tuition rates for the 2026-2027 school year (4% increase).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: 5-0-1 (Member Leslie McDonough abstained) [[58:17]]
Motion: Approve the East Bridgewater High School graduation competency determination (required by state).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [[01:00:45]]
Motion: Accept a $1,000 donation from the Bridgewater Women of Today for the Gordon Mitchell School.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [[01:04:32]]
Motion: Approve updated School Committee Recording Clerk job description.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous [[01:04:03]]
Public Comment
No general public comment was heard during this session, though State Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida was invited to speak on legislative matters.
What’s Next
Budget Subcommittee: Will meet after the New Year to begin assembling the FY27 budget with the 2% cut parameter.
CM Selection: Interviews for the Central School Construction Manager will take place January 15-16.
Next Meeting: The committee added a meeting on May 5 to accommodate the town meeting schedule.