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Board renews ECDC lease through June 2027, cites roughly $400,000 in savings
Summary
The Hackensack Board of Education approved a one-year renewal of its lease with Saint Francis Church for the Early Childhood Development Center through June 30, 2027, cutting monthly rent by 50% and shifting utility and major-repair responsibility to the church to buy time for a planned transition.
The Hackensack Board of Education voted Tuesday to renew the district's lease for the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) with Saint Francis Church through June 30, 2027, a move trustees said will save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars while the district plans a longer-term relocation of preschool services.
President Jennifer Harris said the renegotiated terms set monthly rent at $28,152.50, a 50% reduction from the prior year, and move utilities and major repair responsibilities toward the church. "This timeline provides the district with the necessary time to thoughtfully plan for a smooth transition of students and staff," Harris said during the meeting.
Vice President Kenny Martin, who presented the facilities resolution, told trustees the revised agreement also reduces the district's exposure to custodial overtime and caps the board's repair obligation at $5,000 for any single repair. "Formally, the board was responsible for the entire course of all repairs," Martin said; under the new terms the church will cover most major building repairs.
Board discussion and the accompanying staff presentation emphasized two goals: stabilize ECDC operations for the coming school year and reduce near-term expenditures so the district can focus on returning pre-K students to district-run schools. Trustees cited an estimate of at least $400,000 in combined savings from the renegotiation (rent, utility reductions and avoided repair costs).
The motion passed on roll call after the facilities committee recommended approval. The board noted the lease leaves the district free to leave the building at the lease's conclusion in June 2027.
Why it matters: The ECDC site has served as a long-term temporary home for preschool students since a 2013 lease. With the district facing enrollment declines and a multi-million-dollar budget shortfall, trustees said the one-year extension balances fiscal restraint against operational stability for about 2627 students and staff affected by the site change.
Next steps and context: Trustees said the district will use the additional year to develop a transition plan for students and families and to keep the community informed. The board also approved a related facilities motion to submit lead-in-water testing reports to the New Jersey Department of Education as required for the 2025-26 school year.
Quotes: "This renegotiation of our ECDC lease has resulted in at least $400,000 in additional savings and ensures that we provide a responsible transition for our preschool classes," President Jennifer Harris said.
Outcome: Lease renewal approved; district staff to develop transition plans and continue family outreach.
