East Bridgewater School Committee Approves Updated Procurement Policy

District explores new HR and DEI positions, seeks information from similar-sized schools

EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA - October 15 - The East Bridgewater School Committee approved an updated procurement policy Tuesday night, raising the threshold for formal bidding from $50,000 to $100,000. The change aims to streamline the purchasing process for the school district while maintaining compliance with state laws.

Business Manager John Shea explained the policy revision to the committee. "It just revises our policy to be in line with the law, procurement law," Shea said.

The new policy eliminates several steps in the bidding process for purchases between $50,000 and $100,000. Previously, Shea had to file a newspaper ad, file with the state, file with another state agency, and create a formal bid for these purchases.

"What this does, it just makes it easier," Shea said. "I still have to do a scope of service or specifications that are equal, but now it just allows me to get three quotes."

Committee members expressed support for the change, noting it would help expedite certain purchases while still ensuring proper oversight.

In other business, the committee discussed the possibility of creating new positions focused on Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Superintendent Elizabeth Legault is gathering information from similar-sized districts to inform the decision.

Committee Chair Gordon McKinnon explained, "We thought something more relevant to our size would be helpful, and then to look into HR software that would really help. We had 350 employees, and I know there's got to be software out there that kind of helps bring all that together."

The committee is exploring how these potential positions could benefit the district and what specific roles they might fill. Legault mentioned that North River Collaborative recently hired a full-time DEI person who could potentially assist East Bridgewater schools.

"We can bring them into our districts to do some work for us," Legault said. "I have a meeting with [North River’s DEI Consultant] Arturo Forrest. I have not met him personally yet, but he'll be in the district next week on the 23rd to meet with me."

The committee also received updates on several ongoing projects and initiatives:

- The new turf field and track project is nearing completion, with two football games already played on the new surface.

- Assistant Superintendent Gina Williams is developing a comprehensive social-emotional learning plan for pre-K through 12th grade, which will be presented to the committee later this year.

- The district continues to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles across all grade levels, with new teachers receiving training this year.

In policy matters, the committee approved several updates related to Title IX regulations and non-discrimination policies. They also voted to table discussion on several other policy updates until the next meeting, allowing the policy subcommittee more time for review.

The committee briefly discussed the upcoming MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) conference and reviewed proposed resolutions. Members debated and voted on their positions for various resolutions, including those related to MCAS testing, compulsory attendance age, and vocational education funding.

As the meeting concluded, committee member Ellen Pennington reminded everyone about the upcoming election day and encouraged community members to exercise their right to vote.