Sandwich School Committee Approves $4,995 Bus Study, Targets January Budget Savings

SANDWICH — October 22, 2025 — Sandwich School Committee commissions bus efficiency study and passes CTE policy as member resigns. The committee voted unanimously Wednesday to hire Alliance Education Associates — at a cost not to exceed $4,995 — to conduct a roughly eight-week transportation efficiency study, with findings due in January to inform FY27 budget deliberations; Superintendent Joe Morascek noted that eliminating a single bus saves approximately $100,000 per year, calling the study "short money with the potential for a pretty high ROI." The committee also voted 7-0 to approve a new middle school career pathway and CTE policy required under a statewide change to vocational school admissions, after waiving the second reading to meet a November 1 handbook deadline. Morascek warned the committee of a looming "perfect storm" in healthcare costs heading into FY27, citing a possible 12 percent rate increase and rising prescription drug prices tied in part to changes in Affordable Care Act subsidies. The meeting concluded with the farewell of member Bert Fisher, whose resignation takes effect October 23; per the town charter, his seat will remain vacant until the May 7, 2026 annual town election.