Raynham School Committee Approves Title Changes, Budget Transfers Amid Safety Concerns

RAYNHAM — September 25, 2024 — Raynham School Committee approves budget transfers and title changes while confronting four school safety threats. Superintendent Kevin Powers told the committee that four non-credible threats during the first four weeks of school are draining resources from law enforcement and staff, and said prevention strategies beyond suspension are needed; a parent information night with law enforcement is being planned for October or November. The committee unanimously approved two administrative title changes — IT manager to IT director for Mr. Schatz and executive secretary to executive assistant for Mrs. McDougal — with no salary changes in either case. Budget Subcommittee Chair Ms. King brought forward two end-of-year fiscal year 2024 transfers approved unanimously by the full committee, including $42,855.88 in outstanding vendor invoices not captured in the July year-end transfer; Director of Business Services Ms. Babalola announced quarterly departmental audits to prevent recurrence. The district's BASE after-school program ended the year roughly $130,000 in the red, with updated projections and a possible outside-vendor option expected at the October 7 budget subcommittee meeting. During public comment, a BREA representative called on the committee to seek town funding increases and said "an override, if so, so be it — let the people decide."