Transportation consultant addressed Board of Education at May 9 public meeting

A transportation consultant presented a report to the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District’s Board of Education on Tuesday evening, May 9.

During the regularly scheduled public meeting, which was held at the Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s media center, Mike Archer of the Center for Effective School Operation shared his report on a wide-range of transportation items that school district’s encounter throughout New Jersey.

He discussed  the school district’s busing program, including routes, starting times at the 11 schools and the number and availability of buses.

Mr. Archer, whose firm is headquartered in Minneapolis while he operates out of Pennsylvania, stood before the Board of Education to offer a report of suggestions that will be discussed over the course of time.

Superintendent Bob Beers appreciated the informative report.

“I was pleased to review the Center for Effective School Operations report,” Superintendent Beers said. “The entire state faces a transportation crisis, and Mr. Archer presented the BOE with several cost-neutral options for our taxpayers.” 

Superintendent Beers continued.

 “I'm looking forward to more meetings with stakeholders to determine the district's most sustainable course of action to benefit our school community.  As part of our long-range plan, these conversations will occur over the next year,” he said.

Also during his Superintendent’s Report, Superintendent Beers cited the recent Skyland Conference championships that the Bridgewater-Raritan High School girls’ golf and girls’ lacrosse teams won.

He also promoted the Special Olympics Area 10 Track and Field Meet that will be held at Basilone Memorial Field in Bridgewater on Saturday, May 13. The games will run from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  And he reported that 18 Bridgewater Raritan High School athletes will be included in the field of 160 competitors at the track and field event.

Superintendent Beers also spoke about the first Unified Track and Field Team that is competing this spring at the high school and the Festival of Arts Visual Art Exhibit that will take place on Wednesday, May 17, at the high school’s cafeteria and gym. The exhibit will be shown from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Barry Walker, the Board of Education Vice President, also mentioned the high school’s boy golf, Jacob DeJesus, who recently won the Skyland Conference championship.

Steven Singer, the President of the Board of Education, praised the school district’s faculty during this week’s Teacher Appreciation Week. 

He also commented on how successful and enjoyable the Staff Recognition Reception was on Tuesday, May 2.

The ceremony at the Somerville Elks Lodge honored the school district’s Teachers of the Year and Educational Services Professionals of the Year. A total of 22 were honored that day before a crowd of 150.

To watch the complete Board of Education meeting that was held on May 9, visit the main page on the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District website and click on the About Us tab. Then scroll down to the Board of Education and click on BOE live.