$2.4M Kindergarten Referendum Question Approaches For Bridgewater-Raritan SD

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — After Bridgewater-Raritan voters approved two bond questions in March, they will head to the polls again this November to decide on the final phase of the district's plan to incorporate a full-day kindergarten program.

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.

"The November 7 election will help satisfy the necessity to fund these crucial learning opportunities for our children and represent a major step in our quest towards equitable outcomes for all students," district officials said.

The first question of March's two-part $155 million referendum had asked residents in both the communities of Bridgewater Township and the Borough of Raritan to approve $120 million to upgrade all 11 of the district schools, which officials said will have a zero tax impact.

The second question proposed an addition to the Middle School that would create a traditional middle school environment spanning grades 6-8. Adding sixth grade to the current Bridgewater- Raritan Middle School would free up space at the primary schools, allowing the district to implement the full-day kindergarten program as planned.

Question No. 2 had a projected cost of $34 million. The passing of Question No. 2 increased the tax on an average Bridgewater home that is assessed at $488,933 by $90 per year and an average home in Raritan that is assessed at $320,525, by $66 a year.

Click here for more information on the upcoming referendum from the district.

Patch's Alexis Tarrazi contributed to this report.