Jersey City Schools Confirm P.S. 16 Kindergarten Move Amid Outcry

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

This development is crucial as it addresses severe overcrowding in P.S. 16’s main building and annex, a situation that has persisted for years. Currently, kindergarten and first-grade classes have been located in the Washington Street annex since 2021, while pre-K classes have been operating at the Danforth Center in Greenville since its opening in 2018.

Parents voiced their concerns during the January 20 caucus meeting of the Jersey City Board of Education, where Fernandez first presented the proposal. Many fear that moving kindergarteners will disrupt the educational environment and affect their children’s learning experiences.

In her letter, Fernandez emphasized the necessity of the move to ensure adequate space for all students. “We must prioritize the educational needs of our children,” she stated, highlighting the challenges of managing overcrowded classrooms.

The decision comes at a time when the school district is under pressure to improve conditions and resources for students. The relocation plan is set to take effect next school year, leaving parents with limited time to express their opposition or seek alternatives.

As this situation develops, community members are urged to remain engaged and informed. The Board of Education is expected to hold additional meetings to discuss the implications of this move further. Parents and stakeholders are encouraged to voice their concerns and participate actively in these discussions, as the decision will have lasting impacts on the educational landscape of Jersey City.

Stay tuned for updates on this story as more information becomes available and as the community continues to respond.