Referendum Update

Thank you to everyone who came out to vote in yesterday’s referendum for our schools.  While the referendum did not pass, we will continue to work collaboratively to address the critical needs of our schools.  This will include keeping lines of communication open with residents, parents, staff and City Officials.  We are also extending an invitation to the Mayor and City Council for a joint public meeting to discuss the urgent needs, as well as continued outreach to our community.

Unofficial vote tallies from Tuesday, January 22 are 2225 votes opposed and 638 votes in favor. Vote By Mail ballots that were postmarked by January 22 will be counted in the next two days, and final results will be available from the Bergen County Clerk’s Office.

Voter approval would have allowed for improvements to our aging facilities and construction of a new school to address our growing student population.   The Board of Education will continue to work with the school district’s administration to determine next steps, as the District faces these challenges.

Once again, we thank everyone who contributed to this process and voted in this important bond referendum. 

Hackensack Public Schools
Response to Open Letter from Mayor J. Labrosse

December 31, 2018

Click here to read our response

PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Building a Brighter Future:
Hackensack Board of Education Moves Forward with Plans for a New School and Major District-Wide Facilities Upgrades

HACKENSACK, NJ – On Tuesday evening, the Hackensack Board of Education presented to the public a resolution, which includes the proposal that will be submitted to the voters at a special school district election on January 22, 2019.  The resolution bringing forth a referendum for district-wide facilities renovations, alterations, and a new school was approved unanimously by the Board with a vote of 7–0. 

The Board is seeking voter approval, via a ballot question, for comprehensive upgrades and improvements to school facilities throughout the District, including construction of a new school building that will service students in grades 7, 8, and 9. This project will include a parking garage servicing the current high school, and the proposed new school, along with renovations, alterations, security vestibules and air conditioning for all schools. 

Click here to view the full press release.

Hackensack Public Schools receives an additional $645,827 in Preschool Education Expansion Aid (PEEA)

As part of Governor Phil Murphy’s Preschool Education Expansion Program, Hackensack Public Schools will be getting an additional $645,827 in Preschool Education Expansion Aid (PEEA).  Since first applying for Preschool Education Expansion Aid in August 2017, Hackensack Schools have been able to increase full-day preschool from six full-day classes, to a total of twelve full-day classes for the 2018/2019 school year.  The additional aid and grant requirements also provide for a Master Teacher and a Preschool Intervention and Referral Specialist to support the preschool program and individual student needs. 

 The benefits of a quality early childhood program provide students with a much-needed head start in literacy and school readiness skills that are essential to helping students reach their full potential. Education studies consistently show the benefits of full-day early childhood programs, with helping students develop socialization and cooperation skills, preprimary literacy, and enthusiasm for learning. 

 In addition to the substantial increase in full-day preschool classes, the PEEA aid means an additional fifty students now have access to pre-school.  Rosemary Marks, Superintendent of Schools,  stated, “The commitment to preschool expansion is an investment in the future and provides for increased inclusion opportunities, as well as greater access and equity for all children.”

Hackensack Public Schools are awarded Future Ready Certification!

We are proud to announce that Nellie K. Parker, Fanny M. Hillers, Hackensack Middle School and Hackensack High School have all been awarded bronze-level "Future Ready" certification by the Future Ready Schools New Jersey program, a coalition of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The Future Ready Schools New Jersey Program is based on the work of the national Future Ready Schools initiative and designed to promote transformational change in schools and districts throughout New Jersey.

Congratulations to all of the schools and a special thank you to each Future Ready School Team for their hard-work and dedication! Fairmount and Jackson Ave will be submitting for certification next!  

Hackensack High School Ranked 69 out of 426 High Schools in New Jersey and awarded National Bronze Medal of Distinction!

U.S. News and World Report recently released their 2018 List of Best High Schools and Hackensack High School achieved its highest ranking yet - 69 out of 426 High Schools in NJ! HHS was also nationally recognized and received a Bronze Medal of Distinction.  Congratulations to the faculty and students of Hackensack High School! Go Comets!

Regarding School Safety & Security

Please see attached letter regarding School Safety and Security from Acting Superintendent, Rosemary Marks.

School Safety & Security Letter - English

School Safety & Security Letter - Spanish