Raynham voters head to polls today for override election. Why it still matters

Yahoo

6 days ago

Today's $3.9 million override election in Raynham to fund B-R schools is still on — despite the fact that Bridgewater voters shot down the corresponding override in their town on Saturday.
Raynham voters are heading to the polls Tuesday, June 24, to decide the fate of a Proposition 2 1/2 override that would add hundreds of dollars to annual property tax bills to avert what B-R Superintendent Ryan Powers has called "devastating" cuts in B-R schools.
Bridgewater voters already shot down their override in a special election on Saturday, June 21, with 56% against and 44% in favor. Because it is a regional school district, both towns have to approve overrides for B-R to get the increased funding.
However, even though Bridgewater rejected its override Saturday, the Raynham override vote isn't cancelled.
Powers said after the Bridgewater election it's still vital for Raynham voters to make their voices heard.
"I remain cautiously optimistic that the voters in Raynham will show up on Tuesday to give the support we need," said Powers, who added he hopes the B-R School Committee and town officials can come together after the special town elections to come up with a plan B.
Bridgewater election results Bridgewater shoots down $8M override. How town voted, what about Raynham, what next?
A special B-R school committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m., in the auditorium of Raynham Middle School, where Powers said they will discuss options for the district.
If one town votes for the override, but not the other, Powers said there would be an opportunity for the opposing side to reconsider or put forth a new override vote.
'Absolute destruction' Bridgewater-Raynham teachers speak out ahead of override elections
Powers said prior to Saturday's election that dozens of layoffs are on the table, between 30-45, were the overrides to fail, and school officials have said class sizes could reach as high as 45 students.
According to assessments done by both towns, the impact on property taxes of the overrides is as follows, if both overrides were to pass:
Bridgewater: The annual property tax bill would increase by $926 for the average single-family home, based on an average assessed value of $594,000.
: The annual property tax bill would increase by $636 for the average single-family home, based on an average assessed value of $590,000.
Raynham's Special Town Election is on Tuesday, June 24, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. The polling location is Raynham Middle School, 420 Titicut Road.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Raynham override election is still on and it's today. What to know