Public Presentation For Full-Day Kindergarten Referendum In Bridgewater-Raritan

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A public presentation regarding the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District’s Referendum 2023 will be held for residents of Bridgewater Township and the Borough of Raritan on Monday, Oct. 30.

The public question presentation will be held on Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wade Administration Building at 836 Newmans Lane in Bridgewater.

The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District is requesting funding to support the annual operating costs of a Full-Day Kindergarten Program and create a model middle school that will encompass grades 6-8.

"We believe that all Bridgewater-Raritan students, regardless of economic status, should experience a rich Full-Day Kindergarten program to prepare them for school success," said the district.

The school district is just one of 10 in the state to not offer full-day kindergarten services, said BRRSD officials.

On Nov. 7, a ballot question will ask the two communities to approve recurring operating costs of the full-day kindergarten, totaling $2.46 million. This includes 15 general education teachers, two special education teachers, two custodians, and the utility and transportation costs.

The estimated one-time tax impact would be a $53.24 annual increase for the average Bridgewater home that is assessed at $488,933, and a $41.83 increase for the average home in Raritan that is assessed at $320,525, the district said.

If the November question passes, district officials aim for full-day kindergarten to begin in the district in 2026. Under the new plan, the primary schools will serve grades K-3, intermediate schools will cover grades 4 and 5, and middle school will cover grades 6-8.

For more information visit brrsd.org/referendum.

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