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Board approves one-year ECDC lease extension, says renegotiation saves roughly $400,000
Summary
The Hackensack Board of Education approved a one-year extension of the ECDC lease through June 30, 2027, shifting utility and repair responsibilities to the landlord and reporting an estimated $400,000 in savings from renegotiation, including a 50% rent reduction.
The Hackensack Board of Education on June 16 approved a renewal of the lease with Saint Francis Church that keeps the district’s early childhood development center (ECDC) in its current location through June 30, 2027. Board president said the deal lowers monthly rent by 50%, reducing board expense and shifting more utility and major-repair responsibility to the church.
President Jennifer Harris told trustees the change provides the district time to plan for a transition and yields immediate taxpayer savings. She said the agreement includes a monthly rent of $28,152.50, a 50% reduction from the prior term, and that utilities will be shared equally between the board and landlord (the board previously covered 90% of utilities). The board will be responsible only for the first $5,000 of any repairs; larger capital work is to be covered by the church. "This renegotiation of our ECDC lease has resulted in at least $400,000 in additional savings," the president said during remarks to the board.
Trustees voted to accept the facilities committee recommendation, with the motion carried during the facilities section of the agenda. Administrators said the one-year extension allows the district to return preschool classes to district buildings while planning a longer-term solution. The renewal also includes a termination point in June 2027, allowing the district flexibility if other accommodations are identified.
Board materials and the public presentation highlighted the fiscal impact: the 50% rent reduction, an estimated $337,000 in rent savings referenced during remarks, reduced utility cost (an estimated $30,000 reduction), and elimination of mandatory custodial overtime related to the leased site. The board said it will continue to keep ECDC families informed as a transition plan is developed.
The lease resolution was adopted as part of facilities resolutions e1–e3; trustees recorded their votes during roll call and the motion passed.
