With an admittedly lower level of drama this year versus last year, board of education members and Superintendent of Schools Michael Schilder expressed relief Wednesday that the approved $129 million 2011-2012 school budget passed in all schools in the district. "I think people were relieved that this year didn't have the same level of drama," Schilder said. "They were also relieved that we were able to stabilize the finances for the district." Schilder said he is pleased that a vote for the budget—which according to unofficial results, passed by a vote of 3,183 in favor and 2,290 against—was…
The board of education breathed a sigh of relief as the district voted to pass the budget with a vote of 3,183 to 2,290, according to unofficial results. "We're very pleased that the 2011-2012 school budget has passed," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Schilder after the votes were counted. "Thanks goes to all those who helped get out the vote and all those who voted. We now look forward to continuing district and school initiatives to increase student achievement at all levels and for all students." All schools in the district voted in favor of the budget. In total, about 5,473 votes …
According to unofficial results, the 2011-12 Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District budget passed with a vote of 3,183 to 2,290, while Bridgewater incumbents Evan Lerner and Arvind Mathur were re-elected for third and fourth terms, respectively. In Raritan, candidate Ann Marie Mead defeated incumbent Al Smith. A total of 5,473 votes, including absentee ballots, were cast throughout Bridgewater and Raritan. The district's budget passed in all schools throughout the entire district. Lerner received a total of 2,178 votes, while Mathur received 2,092 total votes. Raritan incumbent Al Smith…
As the day wound down, Bridgewater Patch visited one more school, and, while it seemed that more people were finally coming out to vote after the working hours, the biggest message several voters had to send was that residents have to make their voices heard in the community. "People have to have the pride to make a difference," said Bridgewater resident Lillian In, who voted at Van Holten Primary School after the working day. "Voting makes a huge impact for the community, especially for the kids." For In, Bridgewater is known for its school system, and residents should take the time to have …
After checking out two polling locations this morning, Bridgewater Patch continued its trek around town to talk to people as they left the polls—and had some trouble finding people. As election officials at Bradley Gardens Primary School said around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the turnout has been some of the lowest they have seen in years, not counting 2010 when the controversial budget and state aid losses were high on everyone's minds. The officials said they were hoping people would show up either when they came to the school to pick up their kids, or after work hours, but, at that point, things…
With school board elections today, and the polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Bridgewater Patch is traveling around town to get residents' thoughts on why everyone should participate in the vote—and the opinion is very strongly weighed in favor of just getting your voice heard. "One of the biggest things my wife says is that we always think you have no right to complain if you don't vote," said Bridgewater resident Grant Tormey, one of many who filed into Crim Primary School in the early morning to cast his vote. "If you have kids in the school system, this is a way to voice your opinion both …
On April 27, residents will be asked to cast their votes in favor of or against the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District budget for 2011-2012, as well as choosing candidates to fill three open seats on the board for the coming year. Here is the last minute information you need to know so you can make sure you are fully informed and ready to vote. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 27. The township’s 36 districts normally used for general elections are condensed for school elections, and renumbered. To know where to vote, find your district for the general election, and…
With the board of education elections coming on April 27, we thought it would be a good time to hear directly from the candidates themselves about the issues that matter to residents. On four different days this week, we will feature video responses from the seven candidates on questions concerning the budget, curriculum and clubs. For this final question, we asked the candidates to talk about any specific issues they believe are of importance to the residents and the district.
With the board of education elections coming on April 27, we thought it would be a good time to hear directly from the candidates themselves about the issues that matter to residents. On four different days this week, we will feature video responses from the seven candidates on questions concerning the budget, curriculum and clubs. For this third question, we asked the candidates about their thoughts on the language arts curriculum, and what changes they think need to be made to improve students' scores in that area.
With the board of education elections approaching, the district held its annual candidates forum at the high school Monday with the seven residents running for a spot answering questions on the budget, communication and other issues. Running for two spots on the board to represent Bridgewater are incumbents Evan Lerner and Arvind Mathur, as well as Lisa Giranda, Barbara Kane and Elizabeth Eisinger Lande. Running for one open spot on the board representing Raritan are incumbent Al Smith and Ann Marie Mead. The candidates answered three questions submitted by a subcommittee with the Council of …
With the board of education elections coming on April 27, we thought it would be a good time to hear directly from the candidates themselves about the issues that matter to residents. On four different days this week, we will feature video responses from the seven candidates on questions concerning the budget, curriculum and clubs. For this second question, we asked the candidates about their thoughts on the loss of extracurricular activities, and what their suggestions are for either bringing some back or creating methods to afford all students the same opportunities.
With the board of education elections coming on April 27, we thought it would be a good time to hear directly from the candidates themselves about the issues that matter to residents. On four different days this week, we will feature video responses from the seven candidates on questions concerning the budget, curriculum and clubs. For this first question, we asked the candidates what they think of the recently approved $129 million 2011-2012 school budget. They discussed their thoughts on the amount of money in the budget, and what the district is planning to spend it on.
Editor's Note: Every day this week, we will be publishing a biography of one of the seven candidates running for the board of education. The biographies will be running in alphabetical order, beginning with the five Bridgewater candidates, and followed by the two Raritan candidates. She was looking for a home around the Somerset County area and other nearby locations, and each time her real estate agent mentioned the Raritan and Bridgewater area, she mentioned the great school system—and that’s what sold her on a home in Raritan. Ann Marie Mead, of Riverside Avenue, is running for the one …
Editor's Note: Every day this week, we will be publishing a biography of one of the seven candidates running for the board of education. The biographies will be running in alphabetical order, beginning with the five Bridgewater candidates, and followed by the two Raritan candidates. He believes that a community is no better than its schools—and right now he wants to continue to be a part of what the district has to offer with a position representing Raritan Borough on the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education. Incumbent Al Smith, of West Somerset Street, is running …
Editor's Note: Every day this week, we will be publishing a biography of one of the seven candidates running for the board of education. The biographies will be running in alphabetical order, beginning with the five Bridgewater candidates, and followed by the two Raritan candidates. He came to the township specifically because of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District—and now he’s hoping to remain a part of the schools as a continued member of the board of education. Arvind Mathur, of Newmans Lane, is running for one of two open seats to represent Bridgewater on the board of …
Editor's Note: Every day this week, we will be publishing a biography of one of the seven candidates running for the board of education. The biographies will be running in alphabetical order, beginning with the five Bridgewater candidates, and followed by the two Raritan candidates. He bought the first house he saw in the township, but has remained over the years because of the kind of place it is—and is now hoping for a third repeat performance on the board of education. Evan Lerner, of Morningside Drive, is running for one of two open seats to represent Bridgewater on the board of education…
Editor's Note: Every day this week, we will be publishing a biography of one of the seven candidates running for the board of education. The biographies will be running in alphabetical order, beginning with the five Bridgewater candidates, and followed by the two Raritan candidates. For Elizabeth Eisinger Lande, she has spent years in the schools, spending time in the classrooms with her children and supporting academic issues—and now she would like to be more up close and personal. Lande, of Dow Road, is running for one of two open seats to represent Bridgewater on the board of education. …
Editor's Note: Every day this week, we will be publishing a biography of one of the seven candidates running for the board of education. The biographies will be running in alphabetical order, beginning with the five Bridgewater candidates, and followed by the two Raritan candidates. She is a lifelong resident and spent her entire career working for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District—and now, following her retirement, she is hoping to take on a new role with a position on the board of education. Barbara Kane, of Vroom Drive, is running for one of two open seats to represent …
Editor's Note: Every day this week, we will be publishing a biography of one of the seven candidates running for the board of education. The biographies will be running in alphabetical order, beginning with the five Bridgewater candidates, and followed by the two Raritan candidates. She is no newbie to the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education, having served from 2000 to 2007, when she lost her bid for reelection—and now she is trying for it again. Lisa Giranda, of Rolling Hills Road, is running for one of two open seats to represent Bridgewater on the board of education. Also …
About 20 people turned out for a meeting of the Special Education Alliance Wednesday, as the seven candidates vying for seats on the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education answered questions about how they can improve the district for special education students. “We do this every year there is a contested election,” said alliance co-president Eileen Reilly-Horch. “Special education is what this group is about, and I don’t know if there are any other groups that could do a meeting like this.” Vying for two open seats to represent Bridgewater on the board are incumbents Evan Lerner and Arvind …
