Opening this fall, the repurposed facility will consolidate key district operations and expand support services for students and families
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Linden Public Schools is transforming an underutilized district facility into a centralized Family Resource Center that will streamline critical operations, strengthen services for families, and expand resources designed to support student success.
Serving approximately 6,945 students across one of New Jersey's most diverse school districts, the new center will bring together several high-impact functions currently housed in multiple locations, creating a one-stop destination for student registration, attendance services, residency verification, family support programs, multilingual learner services, and staff development. Scheduled to open in September, the facility is designed to improve access to services while enhancing coordination among departments that support students and families districtwide.
A Strategic Investment in Student and Family Services
Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins said the project reflects the district's commitment to providing efficient, accessible, and student-centered services while maximizing the use of existing district resources.
The center is designed to improve coordination among departments, reduce barriers for families seeking assistance, and provide easier access to services that support students throughout their educational journey.
Centralizing Core District Operations
The facility will house Student Registration Offices, Residency and Truancy Services, Attendance Officers, Registration Nursing Services, Registration Support Staff, and dedicated space for professional development and staff training.
The project also supports the district's efforts to protect educational resources. Linden Public Schools recently expanded its attendance team to address the growing number of non-resident students attempting to enroll in district schools. Bringing attendance, residency, and registration services together will strengthen oversight, improve accountability, and help ensure taxpayer-funded resources are directed to district residents.
The facility's professional development space will provide a dedicated location for teacher training, workshops, and districtwide staff development initiatives, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across the organization.
Supporting the Whole Child
Beyond administrative functions, the Family Resource Center will also provide direct support for families facing hardship through a food pantry, clothing and coat storage area, and a Care Closet stocked with essential items.
District officials said the resources reflect the district's commitment to addressing barriers that can impact student learning and family well-being.
Strengthening Access and Family Support
The Family Resource Center will continue to house the district's Multilingual Learners and World Languages departments, which support students and families representing more than 30 language backgrounds across the district. Services include ESL and bilingual screenings required under New Jersey regulations, as well as instructional coaches and professional development staff who support multilingual learners and educators throughout the district.
District officials emphasized that while the Welcome Center remains an important component of the facility, the Family Resource Center is part of a broader effort to serve all Linden families through a wide range of educational, administrative, and support services.
Maximizing Resources, Strengthening Accountability
Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas described the initiative as a thoughtful investment that reflects the Board’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, operational efficiency, and student success across the district.
“As a Board, we are focused on making decisions that strengthen our entire school community,” Thomas said. “This is about maximizing the resources we already have and ensuring they are working for our students, staff, and families. Rather than allowing valuable space to sit underutilized, we are creating a centralized hub that improves district operations, enhances collaboration, increases accountability, and expands our ability to deliver high-quality services. The impact of this investment will be felt across the district, supporting every school, every student, and every family while positioning Linden Public Schools for continued growth and success.”
Building a Stronger Future for Linden Families
District leaders say the Family Resource Center represents an investment in the systems and services that help students succeed and families stay connected to their schools.
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