Board of Education

The Board of Education is the governing body of the school district, responsible for developing policy to ensure the proper care, management and control of district affairs, and supporting the mission of educating our students to reach their full potential. In addition, the Board of Education utilizes a Planning Calendar to help ensure compliance with State and Federal mandates.

In addition to setting policy, the Board hires the superintendent; approves staff hirings, resignations, terminations and leaves of absence; formulates and adopts the district budget; approves expenditures; approves educational programs (curriculum); and otherwise ensures that proper facilities and equipment are available to support teaching and learning in the district.

Board of Education members abide by the New Jersey Code of Ethics for School Board members. The Board of Education does not administer the school district; they ensure that it is run well. While Board members encourage communication with parents and local stakeholders there is a chain of communication that should be followed. Community members should always direct questions to the most specific and appropriate level. This means beginning with a specific teacher or building administrator, then approaching a district administrator, and then moving to central office before approaching a Board member with a specific question or issue. 

Every January the Board holds an organizational meeting to elect officers and set committees and appointments. There are standing committees that usually meet monthly to discuss specific issues and make recommendations to the Board as a whole. Board members are appointed as liaisons to a variety of education-related and municipal organizations.

All meetings will be held at 7:30 PM at the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School Cafeteria (Small) unless otherwise noted. On those occasions where a closed session is required, a notice will be provided a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the meeting date. These meetings will be opened at the designated new time and the Board will immediately enter into a closed session. Should the closed session end before 7:30 PM, the Board will recess until 7:30 PM before re-opening to the public. No open Board discussion and Action Items shall occur at any of these meetings prior to 7:30 PM.

The Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters of community interest.

In accordance with Board Policy, members of the public are allotted this opportunity to address the Board for a maximum of five (5) minutes during public comment. In the event it appears the public comment portion of the meeting may exceed thirty minutes, the presiding officer may limit each statement made by a participant to  two minutes’ duration or less depending on the number of participants.

First Opportunity to Speak

The first opportunity is early in the meeting under the Agenda Item “Public Input”. At this time, please restrict your comments to Agenda Items only.

Second Opportunity to Speak

The second opportunity is towards the end of the meeting. At that time, the public may address the Board on any concern.

The Board of Education takes into consideration comments made by the public at meetings and hearings. Questions, concerns and requests directed to the Board will usually be deferred pending administrative and Board consideration.

For more information about becoming a Board member, please visit New Jersey School Boards Association