East Brunswick Board of Education Meeting - August 20, 2026

The East Brunswick Board of Education held a meeting on August 20, 2026, focusing extensively on educational policy changes and capital improvement projects. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the decision to eliminate traditional midterm and final exams at the high school in favor of continuous, cumulative assessments aimed at improving instructional time and reducing student stress. The board also received a detailed presentation from Peret Somjen Architects on options for addressing the aging infrastructure and enrollment pressures at East Brunswick High School, including renovating the existing building, relocating temporary classroom units, building a ninth-grade academy addition, or constructing a new high school. Budget estimates for these options ranged from approximately $9 million for relocating temporary classrooms to over $300 million for major renovations or new construction, with discussions on state debt service aid and referendum requirements. The board emphasized the need for further due diligence, community engagement, and detailed cost breakdowns before proceeding. Additionally, the board approved moving the graduation venue to Jersey Mike's Arena and discussed policies related to student device use and transportation. The meeting concluded with updates on ESL program evaluations and committee reports. No contract awards or vendor selections were made during this session, but the capital project discussions indicate forthcoming procurement activities related to school construction and renovation.