E. Bridgewater: School budget woes could bring big classroom changes

The superintendent of East Bridgewater schools is sounding an alarm.

Susan Cote says class sizes could swell to more than 30 students if budget problems lead to layoffs of ten teachers.

The School Department’s level-funded budget is $16 million.

Officials say that to operate with that same amount next year would require close to $700,000 in cuts because of rising costs and loss of some previous revenue.

Teacher positions could be axed in all grades except five and eight…and class sizes would increase less in lower grades…and more with older students.

East Bridgewater is looking at money it will save from changing health insurance carriers, though final figures aren’t in, and state aid for schools isn’t finalized.