Now That Full-Day Kindergarten Passed In Bridgewater-Raritan, What's Next?

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Planning is now underway as voters approved full-day kindergarten in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, according to unofficial results.

"The approval of the three referendum questions is the catalyst for generational change throughout the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, as we can now offer full-day kindergarten and enhanced educational opportunities spanning multiple grades," said Superintendent Robert Beers to Patch. "I am grateful for the community's trust in our administration and board of education. We will work over the next two years to achieve the outcomes that will make our communities proud."

The ballot question asked 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.

Now that the referendum has passed, the district will begin finalizing the plans for the middle school and getting items out to bid.

Plans at the Middle School include creating 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.

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.

Beers said the district is planning to have full-da kindergarten up and running for a September 2026 opening.

Voters passed the referendum question with 6,619 'yes' votes over 5,832 'no' votes.

The vote tally remains unofficial as it may not include early voting, vote-by-mail, provisional ballots, or write-in votes. Final certification of the results must be done by Nov. 22.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.