Dighton-Rehoboth Gets a Total of $3.4 Million

The two member towns of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District  have received a financial boost, according to Superintendent Anthony Azar.

“Not too long ago, I wrote to you in regard to receiving certification of our excess and deficiency or "E & D" monies from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue in the amount of $5,738,000.00,” Azar wrote in his June 30 letter to parents.

“Of that amount, $3,440,363.00 has been distributed to our two towns. Per the towns’ choice, the Town of Rehoboth has received a reduction of their FY22 assessment of $2,205,155.71 and the Town of Dighton received a check this afternoon in the amount of $1,235,207.29.  This reimbursement represents the fiscal impact to the district of the federal, state and district’s COVID-19 response during Fiscal Year 2020/2021 (FY2021).”

“As many in the community may remember, students during FY2021 were forced to stay home and access their education via Chrome book remotely, which resulted in significantly lower operating costs, including reduced transportation costs and lower energy costs. Additionally, school administrators made conscious decisions to postpone standard purchases while in a COVID-19 remote/hybrid shutdown.”

“As a direct result, both the regional school district and the two member towns will benefit financially.  Additionally, the district will retain $2,297,637.00 of the excess as provided for by Massachusetts General Law (the regional school district legally retains up to five percent of their overall budget in E & D funds). Of this amount, the school committee recently voted to use $750,000 to reduce the FY23 assessments to the member towns. The COVID savings represented by the reductions to the towns’ FY22 and FY23 assessments facilitates an opportunity for the towns to prioritize the safety of their school buildings. While school safety is always a priority, the ongoing tragic events occurring on school campuses across the nation highlight the need for continued discussion and improvements regarding safety measures for our students, families, and community.”

Azar retired on June 30 after serving the district for eight years.