School Board in Very Early Stage of Redistricting

At its work session on Tuesday of this week, the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education entered into a brief, initial discussion about the need for the redistricting of its schools.  As demographic patterns continually shift within this large and widely dispersed school district, it’s a topic which comes up with unpredictable regularity.

Lynne Hurley, Chairperson of the Finance & Transportation Committee, led off the discussion as part of her committee report, explaining that “redistricting will help to balance out enrollment in our schools,” following up with “we (the committee) had a lively discussion” on this topic.

Penny Wolf, a 20-year Bridgewater resident, advises the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education not to consider any school building closings during the redistricting analysis. (Photo/Dick Bergeron)

Tuesday evening, the Board was working with a bare quorum of five of its members, with the other four unable to attend that evening.  As Board Vice-President and Facilities Chairperson, Patrick Breslin, pointed out – the accompanying observation is mine – the issues, challenges, and problems which inevitably accompany “declining enrollment will have a full Board discussion later.”

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Schilder offered his view of what could be a six-step process for the Board’s consideration.  I have taken minimal journalistic liberty with the wording of the following recommended steps: