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."