Hackensack Public Schools
Special Education
Update
Board of Education Meeting | June 16, 2026
Hackensack, New Jersey
Mr. Darius Pemberton, Director of Special Services
Today's Overview
01
New Partnership with South Bergen Jointure Commission
Goals, services, and shared vision
02
Paraprofessional Staffing Transition
Moving from full-time to part-time — impact on contact time
03
Current Para Workforce Profile
Approximately 2/3 of our staff were already part-time
04
IEP Services — No Disruption
No adjustments to IEPs; all services will be provided
05
Special Education Class Size Compliance
District is in full compliance with NJ regulations
South Bergen Jointure Commission
Our New Partner
Who They Are
Services Available to Hackensack
medical_services Related Services (OT, PT, Speech, Counseling)
school Specialized classroom programs aligned to IEP goals
calendar_today Extended School Year (ESY) programming
directions_bus Transportation coordination as state-approved CTSA
The Superintendent and Director of Special Services sit on the respective Boards at SBJC
Benefits of the Partnership
Strengthening Special Education Services in Hackensack
Expanded Expertise
Access to SBJC's 30+ years of specialized programming in autism, multiple disabilities, and behavioral support
Cost-Effective Services
Shared services model reduces per-student costs while maintaining quality and compliance with state regulations
Continuity of Care
Students continue to receive services aligned with their IEP goals — no disruption to current programming
Regional Collaboration
Joins a proven network serving Bergen County districts with coordinated transportation, ESY, and transition programs
LRE Commitment
SBJC's mission aligns with federal Least Restrictive Environment mandates that guide Hackensack own program design
Scalable Capacity
Ability to access additional support services and program placements as student needs evolve
Paraprofessional Staffing Transition
Full-Time to Part-Time: Understanding the Impact
What Is Changing
Difference in Daily Student Contact Time
Context: The difference in work schedules reflects scheduling adjustments between full-time and part-time work hours not a reduction in IEP-mandated services.
Our Paraprofessional Workforce
Majority Were Already Part-Time Before This Transition
Already Part-Time
~2/3
of Hackensack paraprofessionals were already working part-time
prior to this transition
What This Means
Established practice: Part-time para models are not new to Hackensack — they have been standard for the majority of our staff.
Smooth implementation: With 2/3 of staff already operating part-time, the transition affects a smaller subset of current positions.
Proven outcomes: Students supported by part-time paras continue to make measurable IEP progress under the existing model.
Minimal systemic disruption: Infrastructure, scheduling, and supervisory practices are already calibrated for part-time para workflows.
IEP Services — No Changes, No Disruption
Every student's Individualized Education Program remains fully intact
No IEP Adjustments
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There will be no modifications to any student's IEP as a result of this partnership or staffing transition. Current goals, objectives, and service hours remain unchanged.
All Services Provided
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Every service mandated in a student's IEP — including related services, support hours, and program placement — will continue to be delivered as written.
Parental Rights Protected
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No IEP amendment process is triggered by this transition. Families do not need to take any action. The district will notify families of any changes that require formal notice.
Special Education Class Size Compliance
Hackensack is in full compliance with New Jersey special education regulations
✓ The District Is Fully Compliant
NJ Special Ed Class Size Requirements
How Hackensack Meets These Standards
Summary
Hackensack Public Schools — Board of Education Meeting | June 16, 2026
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New partnership with the South Bergen Jointure Commission expands access to specialized programs, related services, and regional expertise
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Transition from full-time to part-time paras results in less staff member work time — not a reduction in IEP services
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Approximately two-thirds of Hackensack paraprofessionals were already part-time, making this a natural extension
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No IEP adjustments will occur due to the district shortfall — all services mandated in student IEPs will continue to be delivered without interruption
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The district is in full compliance with all New Jersey special education class size regulations
Questions & Discussion