Parents and students urge delay and transparency on Paterson school restructuring; council urges public sign‑up for board meeting

A large group of parents, students and education advocates used the Feb. 11 Paterson council workshop public comment period to press the Board of Education for more transparency and to request a halt or delay of a proposed middle‑school restructuring set to begin in September.

Multiple speakers — including students from School No. 9 and parents representing the House of Hope for the Nations and other neighborhood organizations — told the council the restructuring would disrupt students’ learning and social networks, make transition planning difficult for students with individualized education programs, and increase commute burdens for families. A student speaker said the proposal jeopardized her ability to finish middle school in the community she knows and urged elected officials to press for a more inclusive, gradual process.

Parents and students asked the council to press the Board of Education and superintendent for a public, detailed plan and for additional community forums. Council members noted the school board’s next meeting is scheduled as a virtual meeting and urged residents to register to speak directly to the board. Councilwoman Mims told residents how to contact the superintendent’s office and provided a phone number she said constituents could call for information: (973) 321‑0980. The council and members urged those concerned to sign up for the school board public comment process and to attend the board’s live meetings; Councilwoman Mims said the board’s final vote on the restructuring is scheduled for March 18.

Council members said they would support public engagement and pressed the administration and Board of Education representatives to ensure families had opportunities to review specifics and to seek clarifying information about proposed changes. Members said the council could not unilaterally block school board policy but pledged to act as advocates for parents and students by pressing the superintendent and board members to hold additional public forums.

Speakers urged the board to examine alternatives such as partnering with schools for shared recreational facilities and to ensure changes do not harm students’ academic progress or social‑emotional well‑being.

Council members directed speakers to the superintendent’s office and the board’s public‑comment registration process and encouraged families to continue to press the board directly and through elected council liaisons.