de-Regionalize B-R Schools
November 13, 2007
The Board of Selectmen, prior to the Special Town Meeting, voted to withdraw the Article to de-Regionalize Bridgewater-Raynham PreK-8 Schools. Once Special Town Meeting began, the Town Moderator announced the action. There was no explanation provided.
While the Article was withdrawn, the Selectmen did say that they would bring the matter back before the Town at next April's Town Elections to let the voters decide. I challenged them on this, and referred to Section IX of the Regional School Agreement which states "...if any member town, by vote at annual or special meeting, votes to resume jusridiction over education..." and "A 2/3's vote in either town, at a regular or special town meeting, is required for withdrawal."
Do the Selectmen just make stuff up as they go along? Rather than being concerned about if B-R should break up, or as has been said recently - "it is inevitable that we will eventually break-up, so let's do it now", shouldn't these five elected leaders actually lead and do something for the Town? Instead, time and effort will be spent checking on the legality of what they are proposing.
But wait... they want to put together a study committee now. Selectmen Chair Oliari said details will be made available at the November 27th Selectmen Meeting. So, in less than five months, a committee will be formed and be able to provide information on an issue that was reported on two years ago. Dig up that Bridgewater Education Study Committee Report and you will find Mark Oliari's name as one of the Committee members, and you will also find commentary on the question of de-Regionalization.
But Mark and Stan and Chris believe that the Schools are the reason for the problems in Bridgewater, or that the break-up is necessary for better communications. Perhaps they should look into town matters and leave school matters to those elected to manage them.
Although it was not able to be presented, here is the prepared PowerPoint presentation on de-Regionalization. It was prepared to address some stated issues relative to why the action should be taken - finances, quality and control. The opponents of the Article were the only one to share factual information, and disucss the information. The Proponents were not willing to discuss the matter with a group from the community, or even 'elected' leaders.
So, here is the open challenge to Mark, Stan and Chris -- you believe this is the way to go and inevitable -- so let's have a debate for the community. The three of you, and I will add two more people. Debate the issue and move on.
Bridgewater
Raynham
Easton
East Bridgewater
West Bridgewater
Massachusetts
Legislation & Politics
USA
Legislation & Politics
World
Education
Bridgewater-Raynham Schools
Massachusetts
USA
Archives (past stories)
Opinion/Analysis
Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
