Spike In English Learners Leads To Expanded Services In Bridgewater-Raritan Schools

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — English learners in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District(BRRSD) can rejoice as the English as a Second Language(ESL) services are now going to be offered in every single building throughout the district, announced Superintendent Robert Beers.

"Over the past decade, the number of ELs in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has more than doubled. With more than 100 new enrollments during the 2022-23 school year," said Beers at the July 18 Board of Education meeting.

Previously, the district only offered ESL services at three of its primary schools.

"As a result, there was an increase in parent refusals with 45 percent of parents refusing services because they wanted their children to attend their home school," said Beers.

During the 2022-23 school year, Beers said the district recognized the problem and implemented a comprehensive program to look into the ESL service.

Beers announced that one major outcome of the program is that ESL services are going to be offered in every single building throughout the district in the upcoming 2023-24 school year.

A letter was sent home to families in the district announcing the news and a district translator has been following up with phone calls.

"Several families who refused services in the past because they didn’t want their child to attend another school or be transported across town have happily accepted services for their children this coming school year," said Beers.

The expanded services will begin in September for the 2023-24 school year.

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