Dear Raynham Select Board Members,

I am reaching out with deep concern and a strong desire to collaborate regarding the state of education in the Bridgewater-Raynham School District. While we recognize the dedication of our educators and local officials, our students continue to face overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, and declining academic performance. Addressing these challenges will require a united effort, and we are eager to work together to ensure the best possible education for our children.

Currently, the average class size in Bridgewater-Raynham is 28 students, significantly exceeding the state average of 18–22 students per class. Many classes have 30 or more students. Overcrowding places a heavy burden on our dedicated educators and limits the individualized attention our children need to thrive.

The impact of these challenges is reflected in student performance. According to the most recent MCAS results, Bridgewater-Raynham students rank at the bottom among comparable districts, with only 37–53% meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. More concerning, our district falls below the state average in all 18 reported MCAS categories for students who exceed expectations. We believe that by working together, we can turn these numbers around and create a stronger academic foundation for our students.

Additionally, our district is at a disadvantage due to a lack of career and technical education options, limited high school electives, and the absence of foreign language instruction at the middle school level. These gaps impact students’ readiness for college and careers, making it even more crucial that we prioritize investment in a diverse and competitive curriculum.

Funding plays a crucial role in addressing these issues. Bridgewater-Raynham’s per-pupil expenditure stands at $15,112.07—far below the state average of $20,133.67 and ranking 382nd out of 399 districts in Massachusetts. We know that strategic investment in education yields long-term benefits for our students, our local economy, and our community as a whole.

At the recent Bridgewater Town Council meeting, Superintendent Powers, alongside the school committee, presented the 2026 budget. During this meeting, members of Council expressed interest in holding a joint discussion with both Bridgwater Town Council and Raynham Select Board. We strongly encourage this meeting to be held in a public forum, allowing parents, educators, and community members to contribute their perspectives. We also urge involvement of the Raynham Financial Committee to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged in these critical conversations. 

We appreciate the work that has already been done to navigate these challenges, and we are eager to partner with you to find solutions. Specifically, we hope you will support:

1. Coordinating a joint meeting with both Raynham Select Board, Finance Committee and Bridgewater Town Council in a public forum that encourages community participation.
2. Advocating for increased funding at both the state and local levels to ensure Bridgewater-Raynham students receive equitable resources.
3. Allocating additional resources to reduce class sizes, hire more educators, and expand arts, music, and physical education programs.
4. Prioritizing per-student funding increases to bring Bridgewater-Raynham in line with comparable districts and the state average

Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed, and together, we can ensure they receive the resources, support, and high-quality education they need. We would love the opportunity to discuss these concerns further and explore ways to work collaboratively toward meaningful improvements.

Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your commitment to our schools. I look forward to your thoughts and to working together for the future of Bridgewater-Raynham students.

Respectfully,

Kate Lombardo