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Tabernacle board seeks alternate compliance for undersized preschool classrooms; approves 2025–26 calendar and DREAMS program
Summary
At its Jan. 13 meeting the Tabernacle Township Board of Education approved the 2025–26 calendar, several field trips and participation in the DREAMS resiliency program, and authorized submission of an application to the Burlington County executive county superintendent seeking alternate-method compliance for six preschool classrooms that are smaller than New Jersey’s 950-square-foot standard.
TABERNACLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Tabernacle Township Board of Education on Jan. 13 approved the 2025–26 district calendar, multiple student field trips and district participation in the DREAMS (Developing Resiliency with Engaging Approaches to Maximize Success) program, and authorized an application for alternate-method compliance after officials reported six preschool classrooms fall short of the state’s 950-square-foot requirement.
The calendar and program participation were approved by roll-call motions during routine business. Board member Dr. Kevin McCloy moved approval of the DREAMS program; Mr. Jonathan Grubb seconded and the motion carried with all members voting in favor as recorded on the agenda.
The board also approved field trips for Olson Middle School — a May 21, 2025 trip to see the Jersey Shore Blue Claws and an April 9, 2025 trip to the Franklin Institute — and a Pre-K trip for Tabernacle Elementary School to Adventure Aquarium on Feb. 27, 2025. Teachers listed on the agenda included Maria Pote (OMS) and Iyannah Goudy (TES).
Why it matters: New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:26-6.4 sets a 950-square-foot standard for preschool classrooms. The district listed six preschool rooms that are smaller than that standard and moved to seek approval of an alternate method of compliance from the Burlington County executive county superintendent rather than undertake immediate construction or reconfiguration.
Details on the undersized classrooms were provided on the agenda: Classroom 306 — 753 sq. ft.; 308 — 761 sq. ft.; 310 — 764 sq. ft.; 311 — 748 sq. ft.; 313 — 748 sq. ft.; and 315 — 755 sq. ft. The district’s resolution to submit an alternate-method application was entered on the agenda as Resolution 25-013 and approved by the board.
The board did not discuss construction timelines or funding sources for any renovation on the public agenda; the resolution and its approval authorize the superintendent and administration to pursue the formal alternate-method process with the county education office. The board listed the application submission as the immediate procedural next step.
The meeting record shows the board proceeded to financial and personnel items before briefly entering a closed executive session later that night; no additional public discussion about classroom renovations or capital funding was recorded.
The board is scheduled to receive student projects from the Future Cities program at its February meeting, according to the superintendent’s report.
