A thank you to the community for voting on the approval of Referendum 2023

A thank you to the community for voting on the approval of Referendum 2023

Dear Bridgewater-Raritan Community,


I am pleased to inform you that Referendum 2023 was resoundingly approved as voters supported the district-wide facilities renovation projects and full-day kindergarten facilities by wide margins.  


This is a new day for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.  I am proud of the Board of Education for exemplifying a disciplined, high-functioning public body. District leaders ensured that all Bridgewater-Raritan community members were informed, had their voices heard, and could ask any questions. Polling results demonstrate our district’s commitment to excellence, access, and transparency. 


I would like to thank the voters and stakeholders of this community for helping this referendum become a reality.  Specifically, I want to thank our community leaders, faculty and staff, parent organizations, and student representatives for making this endeavor a resounding success.  


According to the preliminary results of Somerset County’s Election Division, the two-question referendum received the following numbers as of 11:27 p.m. on March 14.

  • Question No. 1: Yes:   4196 votes. No:  1719 votes

  • Question No. 2:  Yes:  3548 votes. No:  2357 votes

The link to the election results can be found here.


The first question of the referendum asked residents in the communities of Bridgewater Township and Raritan Borough to dedicate $120 million for upgrades to all 11 of the district schools, including HVAC, security, and classroom environments.

  
The second question proposed a plan to add facilities to support a full-day kindergarten program. The District plan is to add sixth grade to the current Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, which would free up space at the primary schools, allowing the district to implement a full-day kindergarten program. This action will result in primary schools educating Grades K-3, Intermediate schools containing Grades 4-5, and Middle School housing Grades 6-8.


An additional question has been scheduled during the general election in November, asking the two communities to approve the total operating costs of the full-day kindergarten at a figure of $2,460,000 per year.  Additional information will be provided on this question in the upcoming months.  


Please stay tuned for additional updates related to the referendum construction projects.  This is an exciting time for our district!  


Thank You!   


Robert Beers
Superintendent of Schools