Bridgewater BOE Meeting 4/28/2026

The Bridgewater Board of Education held a meeting on April 28, 2026, which included a final budget presentation for the 2026-27 school year. The business administrator detailed a $193 million budget with a 3.23% increase, highlighting challenges such as rising healthcare and technology costs, and efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility through measures like self-insurance and transportation rerouting. Capital improvement projects discussed included roof replacements, paving, painting, and renovations funded partly by state grants and a recent referendum. The board also addressed personnel, curriculum, and special services agendas, approving various items. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to public comments and board discussion regarding the proposed elimination of the academically independent (AI) gifted education program, with many community members and board members expressing concern and opposition to the defunding of the program. Motions to amend the budget to preserve the AI program were introduced but did not pass. Additionally, the board reviewed resolutions related to school board elections and other policy matters. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of staff contributions and adjournment.