BR Parent Action Group

STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES

Bridgewater and Raynham residents will soon vote on a crucial Proposition 2½ override. This vote is vital to maintaining the strength of our communities. A successful override will prevent significant staff and program cuts to the Bridgewater Raynham Regional School District. In Bridgewater, it will also preserve essential town services, increase personnel for Police and Fire, increase funds for roads, and more. Please mark your calendar and make your voice heard.

Why an Override?

Like many towns across Massachusetts limited by Proposition 2½ and facing sharp, unexpected cost increases, Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District is confronting a significant budget shortfall beginning July 1, 2025.

Both towns have not voted on or passed an operating override since 2010. Yet more and more communities are turning to overrides to sustain vital services: in FY2024 and FY2025, 66 Massachusetts towns held override votes, with 40 passing—more than double the number from the previous two years, when only 24 towns attempted overrides and 20 were successful. An override vote offers the chance to protect and enhance many areas in need in our towns.

Who is Affected?

Our Schools

Due to the budget shortfall, Bridgewater-Raynham schools face losing 35–40 more positions, in addition to 24 cut last year. Without the override, class sizes—already rising—will grow even larger. The high school alone could lose over 20 staff, cutting 38 classes, including many AP courses. Sports and clubs may be reduced, eliminated, or require families to pay $900–$1,000 per sport.

Our First Responders

Without the override, both Bridgewater Police and Fire would lose one first responder each. If it passes, those positions would be restored, along with four firefighter/paramedics, two more police officers, and a shared mental health clinician. Reduced staffing could slow response times and limit support for growing mental health and substance abuse needs.

Our Community

The override would provide $500,000 to the Bridgewater Highway Department for essential road milling and paving. It would help the (B) Public Library maintain state certification, expand hours, and hire an additional librarian. It would also boost (Bridgewater) Parks and Rec staffing to support increased maintenance of town-owned open space

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bridgewater, Override Info Sessions

Join us for an important community conversation about the upcoming Proposition 2½ override vote and what it means for our schools, public safety, and essential town services. Learn what’s at stake, ask questions, and get the facts about how this override will impact Bridgewater residents, students, and services. Your voice and your vote matter. Let’s work together to support a strong future for our town.

June 2nd, Bridgewater Town Library @5:00pm
June 6th, Bridgewater Senior Center @10:00am
June 10th, Bridgewater-Raynham High School @6:00pm

Raynham, Override Info Sessions

Join us for an important community conversation about the upcoming Proposition 2½ override vote and what it means for our schools and community. Learn what’s at stake, ask questions, and get the facts about how this override will impact Raynham residents and students. Your voice and your vote matter. Let’s work together to support a strong future for our town.

June 3rd, Raynham Town Hall @7:00pm
June 10th, Raynham Town Hall @7pm
This meeting is part of the Select Board Meeting

Bridgewater, Sign Holding & Canvassing Breakout

We’re looking for volunteers to join us for sign holding in the town center to show strong, visible support for a YES vote on the override. After these STAND OUT events, we’ll begin strategic door-to-door canvassing using the VAN app to connect with likely voters and help secure their support. While pairing up is encouraged to make canvassing more fun, it’s best to leave young kids at home to keep the effort focused and effective.