Superintendent's New 5-Year Contract Approved In Bridgewater-Raritan

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A new contract was approved for Superintendent Robert Beers to continue serving the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District for five more years.

The Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education approved Beers new contract at the July 18 budget with only Langfang "Lucy" Li voting no, and Emily Calistri and Jessica Levitt abstaining.

Beers initially became the district's new superintendent in August 2021. This new contract will be effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028.

Li questioned why a five-year contract was needed now instead of a shorter onr.

"A 5-year contract. I am not certain this is the time," said Li.

Under the new contract, Beers would receive a salary of $247,500 for the 2023-2024 school year with a salary increase for each subsequent year of employment.

The salary breakdown includes:

• 2023-24: $240,500
• 2024-25: $254,925
• 2025-26: $262,572.75
• 2026-27: $270,450
• 2027-2028: $278,563.50

Other board members including Jennifer Loughran and President Steven Singer defended Beers.

"The position of superintendent in Bridgewater-Raritan is not an easy one. Mr. Beers has only been here for 2 years however in those 2 years… he's faced more than most superintendents have dealt with in 5 years," said Singer.

Singer noted how Beers helped the district navigate through the end of COVID; he handled the reconstruction at three schools damaged by Superstorm Ida; he was and is still faced with the transportation crisis; and how he led a public relations campaign leading up to a referendum.

"He did that on top of his duties as superintendent of a high achieving district with over 8,000 students and 1,000 plus staff. Mr. Beers has shown his ability to handle tough situations that the district faces on a daily basis and he has kept focus on improving equity," said Singer.

Beers thanked the Board for approving his contract.

"Your support and confidence in my abilities and our collective accomplishments are appreciated. I firmly believe that Bridgewater-Raritan is a special place and I plan to work collaboratively with the entire community to make Bridgewater-Raritan the top district in the state of New Jersey," said Beers.

He also added that the district has a "busy year ahead."

We listed the upcoming climate survey, the final referendum in November, strategic planning, school start times, the yearly budget, facilities, and the execution of the referendum.

"I'm ecstatic to be a part of it," said Beers.

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