Bridgewater School Safety Plan: Superintendent Responds To Mayor's Criticism

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan School's security plan came under fire by township Mayor Matthew Moench, prompting Superintendent Robert Beers to release a statement in response.

"We have never had and never will have competing interests with the municipalities. Any mention of division between administration, local police, and our district security employees appears to be politically motivated," said Beers in a letter to the community on Friday.

Beers was compelled to address the community after Moench announced on June 20 that Bridgewater Police officers will be at every district building until the end of the school year, June 23. Beers or district leaders were not consulted about the decision.

Moench then sent an email to the township Wednesday night, June 22, urging residents to "review the facts below, and make your voice heard immediately." Moench said Beers' plan does not adequately protect students and staff. Read More: Bridgewater Mayor Criticizes Superintendent's School Security Plan

Moench's biggest contention was the difference between hired class monitors versus sworn police officers at the schools. (See his comparison charts below)

Moench was referring to the hiring of four campus monitors, who will rotate through schools' campuses.

These monitors are "highly-qualified and experienced law enforcement agents," said Beers.

"Our campus monitors bring outstanding credentials in their previous positions as high-ranking officials in the New Jersey State Police, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, and local police departments, each with over 20 years of service to the citizens of New Jersey. Three of our campus monitors have not only served their state but served their country in the Armed Forces. One of these new hires served as a Class III officer for the Bridgewater Police Department before joining the district directly. Only the most impeccable records from candidates were considered by the district in the hiring process," said Beers.

Beers added that the district also continues to partner with local police and will maintain the contract that calls for two School Resource Officers and three Class 3 Officers.

In this agreement, the school district finances one School Resource Officer and three Class 3 Officers while Bridgewater Township funds one School Resource Officer.

"The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District’s proposal is a common solution utilized by many districts in tackling the complex issue of school security," said Beers.

Beers went on to outline the improvements to school safety made throughout the 2021-2022 school year.

Beers said the school district took a proactive approach to look at school security as a whole by focusing on a variety of potential threats, including intruders, pedestrian safety, traffic flow, visitor access.

As a result, the Board of Education increased staffing, and added security cameras, access swipes, and panic buttons throughout the 11 schools in the summer of 2021.

"Several other security upgrades have been implemented that the district cannot divulge due to their confidential nature," said Beers.

A District Coordinator of School Security position was also created in the fall of 2021 to provide guidance on all facets of school security and to conduct a review of the school district's present procedures.

"The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District commends the governing bodies of both Bridgewater Township and Raritan Borough for their cooperation with this vastly enhanced security plan and the school district will remain open to receiving suggestions to improve any safety measures," said Beers. "Importantly, our plan is not static and will continually be updated and evaluated."

The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School - Media Center.

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