West Bridgewater School Committee Approves Handbooks, Competency Plan, and 22 Governance Policies

WEST BRIDGEWATER — December 8, 2025 — West Bridgewater School Committee approves handbooks, competency plan, and 22 governance policies ahead of state deadlines. The committee voted unanimously at its December 8 meeting to adopt revised disciplinary Code of Conduct handbooks for both the elementary and middle-senior high school, updating suspension procedures to include full statutory text in place of web links, a change required for a DESE compliance submission due by month's end. The body also approved a competency determination plan required for all districts through the state's GEMS system by December 31. Business and Technology Director Kathy Grant reported the district's $21.3 million FY26 budget is on pace, with $2.4 million — about 13 percent — spent from the general fund through September 30, though she cautioned that out-of-district placements, aging-building repairs, and substitute costs remain unpredictable. Superintendent Bodwell briefed the committee on preliminary post-Question 2 graduation recommendations, saying the district is already aligned with six of the seven state council proposals and noting that a special town meeting on the proposed new elementary school is tentatively set for January 31, 2026.