LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ (Aug. 25) — Linden preschool students will begin the new school year at School No. 9 while construction and final approvals continue for the new Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy in neighboring Winfield Park.

Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas, Business Administrator/Board Secretary John A. Serapiglia Jr., and Preschool Academy Principal Frank Minniti met with nearly 50 parents Monday night (Aug. 25) in the Linden High School auditorium for a 90-minute information session to outline the temporary relocation, answer questions, and address concerns about the delayed opening.

School reopens on Sept. 2. No date has been formally set for the move to the district’s Winfield Park facility.

“While the building will not be ready for the first day of school as originally anticipated, we are fortunate to have a wonderful temporary solution,” Minniti told the parents. “Our pre-K students and teachers will temporarily relocate to School No. 9 until our new facility is complete.”

Superintendent Perkins emphasized that the temporary location will not change the district’s preschool program or its focus on preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.

“Our priority is making sure our children have a safe, welcoming and successful start to the school year,” Superintendent Perkins said. “We are prepared at School No. 9 and will continue supporting our students, staff and families every step of the way.”

Chinedu Orekie, whose daughter is entering pre-K 4, said the session was necessary after parents had dealt with "changing information and frustration surrounding the relocation." He appreciated district leaders meeting directly with families, listening to their concerns, and explaining the reasoning behind decisions, including questions about other possible temporary locations.

“Am I leaving here satisfied? No. But at least we have spoken to them,” Orekie said. “This had to happen.”

Orekie said the discussion helped clear up misinformation and gave parents context they previously lacked.

The first day will include a parent-student orientation, and Back-to-School Night will take place at School No. 9 as scheduled. Preschool classrooms will remain capped at 15 students.

District officials said the opening timeline for the permanent academy remains dependent on construction, inspections, permits and other required approvals.

Once the facility is cleared for occupancy, district maintenance and support teams will coordinate the move to minimize disruption. Families will receive updates through Genesis and the district's communication platforms. The district plans an additional opportunity for families to become familiar with the new academy after the transition.

The academy is part of Linden’s continued expansion of free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds through New Jersey’s state-funded preschool expansion initiative.