Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Superintendent Bill Runey told the school committee March 25 that he was “very proud” of the $53.8 million budget his administration has proposed for FY’26.
Runey said the 33 staff cuts proposed in the previous two budget cycles had “gutted” the district. There were 12.5 cuts in FY’ 24 and 20.5 cuts in FY’25.
This year, the district is adding three positions while two others will not be backfilled due to retirements, yielding a net gain of one new position.
“Across the state for Regional school districts, transportation funding has been reduced by 8.9 percent, Runey continued. “Chapter 70 funding was increased by less than 0.1 percent.”
Runey also was “very disappointed” that Governor Maura Healey “has not prioritized education again.”
Although the state has allocated $309, 470 more in funding to the district compared to FY’25, Runey believes that is insufficient due to the rate of inflation across the country in the last four years.
Transportation funding has been reduced by 8.9 percent, Runey continued. Chapter 70 funding was increased by less than 0.1 percent.
Dighton and Rehoboth will hold their annual town meetings in June.
Runey warned class sizes would be impacted, along with special education and other programs if the school district budget is not approved as presented.
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