District Recaps Construction Projects Set for Summer

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The 2023–2024 school year wrapped up with one last meeting of the Bridgewater-Raritan board of education June 25 at the Wade Administration Building.

Superintendent of schools Robert Beers said that, with graduations over, there was a different buzz around the district now – one in the form of construction.

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He explained that grandstand and fieldhouse work at Basilone Field at Bridgewater-Raritan High School is ongoing, and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. Every school except for the multi-building Bridgewater-Raritan High School is having new security vestibules installed, while restrooms at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School have already been gutted, and the gymnasium at Hillside Intermediate School has been pulled up.

Phase one of the district windows project is also beginning at Hamilton, John F. Kennedy and Van Holten schools.

“All three have the same footprint,” said Beers of their building designs.

Heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades will also take place in those same three schools.

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“We will provide updates as we get them,” said the superintendent. “It’s an exciting time.”

He said the relevant technology is also being upgraded in the schools.

“I applaud the tech team’s efforts,” said Beers.

He said the district is also planning for the next six to 12 months. Representatives and architects are expected to appear before the Bridgewater Township Planning Board Aug. 6 for a courtesy review, particularly regarding the middle school addition that was approved in last year’s public referendum.

Beers also said he had sent end-of-year letters to Bridgewater Township officials Mayor Matthew Moench, council president Timothy Ring and police chief John Mitzak. He thanked them for working with the school system on security measures, including the district’s school resource officers and Class III officers.

“Their professionalism and vigilance fostered a secure learning environment,” said Beers of the collaboration between the district and the municipality.

“Working with the security leadership provided much-needed coverage to all schools,” he added.

Beers also said that local police had participated in district security drills, such as active shooter training and emergency response training.

“We really did have an excellent year, with our officers and the police,” said the superintendent.

Concerning this year’s high school graduation, Beers said he hopes for the district to start a new custom by holding it at Rutgers University every year, even if this June 19 had been one of the hottest days of 2024.

“We do intend to continue the tradition,” said Beers.

Jersey Mike’s Arena, the Rutgers athletic facility where the ceremony was held, is due to undergo renovation sometime in the next few years, which is something the district will have to plan around.

Changes to the Bridgewater-Raritan 2024–2025 school calendar were also approved by the board that evening. Staff are now expected to report for service Sept. 3, one day before the new school year begins.

Schools will be closed for students Nov. 5 for Election Day, although staff are expected to be in school.

Schools will also be closed Jan. 29 for the Lunar New Year. However, the superintendent could still recommend opening schools on that date in case of excessive inclement weather that requires the district to use up its snow days.

The superintendent could also alternately close schools April 21 and May 23 if snow days are not utilized.

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