The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has approved a $193,992,003 budget for the 2026-2027 school year.
The budget keeps our focus on students, demonstrating investments in full-day kindergarten, a 6th Grade Middle School addition, and ongoing facilities work. We are navigating real cost pressures this year, particularly in health care, utilities, and special education, but we have diligently identified savings through staffing adjustments, energy upgrades, and a full transportation overhaul.
The tax levy increase of 3.04% comes in well under our allowable cap of 4.66% and places us among the three lowest out of 17 Somerset County school districts, more than 3% below the county average of 6.23%.
For a typical Bridgewater homeowner, that works out to about $36.79 per $100,000 of assessed value for the general fund. This budget reflects the delicate balance between serving our students well and being responsible stewards of the community's tax dollars.
The budget vote was 7-1, with Mr. Jeremy Li being the lone exception.