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Board renews ECDC lease for one year, citing roughly $400,000 in savings
Summary
The Hackensack Board of Education approved a one‑year renewal of the Early Childhood Development Center lease with Saint Francis Church that cuts rent in half, shifts much repair responsibility to the church and is expected to save at least $400,000 while the district plans a transition for preschool classes.
The Hackensack Board of Education voted to renew its lease with Saint Francis Church to keep the district’s Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) in place through June 30, 2027, a move administrators said will provide time to plan a transition while significantly reducing costs.
At the June 16 meeting the board recorded material terms of the renewal: monthly rent will be $28,152.50 (described in the resolution as a 50% reduction from the 2025–26 amount), utilities will be split equally between the board and the church (down from the board shouldering 90% previously), and the district will be responsible only for the first $5,000 of needed repairs with the church covering larger capital items. The lease includes a clause that the board has no obligation to continue occupying the building after June 2027.
"This renegotiation of our ECDC lease has resulted in at least $400,000 in additional savings," the board announced during president remarks. District officials also said the change reduces custodial overtime obligations and lowers utility costs, with earlier line items cited as a $337,000 rent reduction and roughly $30,000 in utility savings.
Board members framed the agreement as a stopgap measure that buys the district time to return preschool classes to school buildings and develop a comprehensive transition plan. The board motion authorizing the lease renewal passed on the consent agenda after discussion and roll call votes.
Public comment at the meeting focused primarily on special‑education services and program changes rather than the lease; trustees said families and staff would be kept informed as transition planning continues and that a one‑page parent handout is scheduled for distribution by June 30 listing principal/assistant principal assignments, enrollment numbers and school‑specific programming.
