Bridgewater BOE Meeting 9/15/2026

The Bridgewater Raritan Regional Board of Education held a meeting on September 15, 2026, primarily addressing operational and policy issues within the school district. Significant discussion focused on transportation challenges at the start of the school year, including late bus arrivals, route inefficiencies, and communication shortcomings with parents. The board and administration acknowledged these issues and outlined ongoing efforts to improve bus scheduling, driver familiarity, and potential investments in technology such as GPS tracking. The meeting also covered capital improvement projects, including middle school classroom renovations and HVAC upgrades, with several change orders approved to address unforeseen construction issues. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved personnel matters, including increased substitute teacher pay rates to expand the pool of certified substitutes. Policy discussions included the abolishment of a redundant cell phone policy and referral of amendments to the transportation policy to committee for further review. The board emphasized transparency and accountability, particularly regarding professional service contracts for student evaluations, and addressed concerns about the administrative burden of numerous public records requests. Public comments highlighted concerns about transportation, school safety, library materials, and support for educators. Overall, the meeting involved multiple votes on budget-related items, contract approvals, and policy changes affecting district operations and procurement.