Linden Pre-K Students Set for School No. 9 Start as New

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. School reopens on September 2, 2026.

District leadership met with nearly 50 parents on Monday, August 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. Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y Perkins, Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas, Business Administrator and Board Secretary John A. Serapiglia Jr., and Preschool Academy Principal Frank Minniti attended the session.

The district originally anticipated that the Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy would be ready for students on the first day of school. Construction and final approvals have extended the timeline. 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."

The temporary arrangement at School No. 9 ensures continuity of preschool programming while the new facility reaches completion and approval status. The district will provide updates on the Winfield Park academy progress.

Union County Life covers Linden schools, district operations, and community education news. Stay informed about Linden Public Schools announcements on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Linden Public Schools

FAQ

Q: Where are Linden preschool students attending school?
A: Linden preschool students are temporarily attending School No. 9 for the 2026-27 school year. The permanent Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy in Winfield Park is still under construction.

Q: When was the school year delayed?
A: School reopens on September 2, 2026. The Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy was originally intended to open on the first day of school but is not yet ready.

Q: What caused the delay?
A: Construction and final approvals for the Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy continue. No formal date has been set for completion.

Q: When will students move to the new academy?
A: No date has been formally set for the relocation to the Winfield Park facility. The district will provide updates as construction and approvals progress.

Q: Where is the temporary location?
A: Students are temporarily located at School No. 9 in Linden.

Q: Where is the permanent preschool academy?
A: The Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy is being built in neighboring Winfield Park.

Q: Did the district inform parents about the relocation?
A: Yes. Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y Perkins, Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas, Business Administrator John A. Serapiglia Jr., and Preschool Academy Principal Frank Minniti met with nearly 50 parents on August 25 in the Linden High School auditorium for a 90-minute information session.

Q: How long will students stay at School No. 9?
A: Students will remain at School No. 9 temporarily until the Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy is complete.

Q: Where can I find more information about Linden preschool programs?
A: Contact the Linden Public Schools district office. Union County Life covers Linden school district news and announcements.