Jersey City Moves Kindergarteners Despite Parent Opposition

URGENT UPDATE: Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) is moving forward with a controversial plan to relocate kindergarten classes from Cornelia F. Bradford School (P.S. 16) to the Danforth Avenue Early Childhood Center starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This decision comes despite significant objections from parents, as announced by Superintendent Norma Fernandez in a letter sent to families on Thursday.

The move is aimed at addressing severe overcrowding issues at P.S. 16’s main building and its annex, where kindergarten and first-grade students have been housed since 2021. During a January 20 caucus meeting, Fernandez emphasized that the relocation is a necessary step for the future of the school’s students.

Parents have expressed strong concerns over the decision, highlighting the potential disruptions to their children’s education and the challenges of transitioning to a new facility. Many community members are worried about the impact of this change, citing fears of longer commutes and loss of community connections.

The Danforth Center, which has been operational since 2018, currently houses P.S. 16’s pre-K classes. This planned shift represents a significant change for the school community, as it will consolidate resources but also displace students in a well-established environment.

As this story develops, parents and community members are encouraged to voice their concerns at upcoming board meetings. The next board session is set to take place on February 15, where further discussions regarding the move and its implications are expected.

Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue as JCPS and local stakeholders navigate the challenges ahead.