Paterson community outraged after school board reveals plans to close 4 schools

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- A community is outraged after a school board revealed a plan to close four public schools in Paterson.

"These families have a right to first know what's going on before you make a vote," one resident said.

"There are turf wars taking place in this city and you want to just push the kids all in one school?" another said.

There was allegedly no prior notice, no public discussion and no communication to parents, teacher or school staff before the announcement.

A group said the board broke the rules by devising its plan in secret rather than holding public hearings.



Parents and school staff were informed of the plan last Friday.


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