East Rutherford officials outline plan to apply for state preschool expansion aid

East Rutherford Superintendent Gene Caspero and district presenters told the Board of Education they plan to apply for New Jersey’s preschool expansion aid and outlined two implementation options and tight deadlines.

The presentation, led by Caspero and Dr. King Dobson, explained the state-required “mixed delivery” model that lets the district partner with community providers while retaining responsibility for curriculum and instructional quality. Caspero said the application is due August 14 and, if approved, the district would have 75 days to implement the program.

Why it matters: the aid would fund full‑day preschool for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds without additional local tax dollars, and would require the district to convert some kindergarten or other spaces, hire/assign certified preschool teachers and paraprofessionals, provide preschool‑level coaching and participate in federal school meal programs.

Key details from the presentation included classroom and staffing requirements drawn from state rules: maximum class size of 15, one certified teacher and one paraprofessional per classroom, 950 square feet per classroom (700 minimum for waivers), and a full‑day schedule rather than half day. Dr. King Dobson told the board that some Mackenzie School classrooms meet the square‑foot requirements and that the district can rent or lease space where needed.

Caspero and the presenters emphasized that the grant covers personnel and operational costs, including transportation. “The aid is state money — instructional salaries, benefits, coaches, nurses, custodial services, materials and even transportation are covered,” Dr. King Dobson said during the slide presentation.

Board members pressed on logistics: whether kindergarten rooms meet bathroom/space rules, how many classrooms would be needed to eliminate the wait list, how special education students would be included, and whether outside providers’ staff must meet district certification and fingerprinting requirements. Presenters said outside providers would need certified staff for a state‑funded classroom and that the district would require background checks and contractual assurances if it partners with non‑district sites.

Two options were presented: a conservative “Option A” that converts the district’s currently enrolled pre‑K students with only one additional classroom, and an ambitious “Option B” that would add three classrooms at Mackenzie to address the wait list and approach the five‑year target (roughly 90% of eligible students, estimated at about 150 general‑education pre‑K seats over five years).

Transportation was flagged as a significant logistical item. Board members asked whether the district could provide buses to preschool students if the aid requires it; presenters said the state allows transportation costs to be included and suggested contracting with county transportation (SBJC) or adding funded drivers as needed.

Next steps and timeline: Caspero asked board members for feedback and said the administrative team will refine the application workbook and cost estimates. The application deadline is August 14; if the grant is awarded in fall, the district would have 75 days to set up classrooms and staffing.

What’s next: the board will review a finalized application and staffing plan if administrators secure the award; if the board pursues Option B, additional space and staffing decisions will return to the board for action.