Elmwood Park Public Schools

Building Foundations, Expanding Futures

With the students needs in mind, this school district is embracing change

In a rapidly changing world, school districts must balance tradition with innovation, preparing students for careers, higher education, and citizenship in a global economy. In northern New Jersey, Elmwood Park Public Schools is meeting this challenge head-on with expanded early childhood education, strengthened career and technical pathways, and a commitment to both technology and community partnerships.

For Superintendent Anthony Lachetti, the mission is clear: “Our job is to prepare students for life beyond school. That means giving them pathways to success whether they choose college, a trade, or immediate entry into the workforce.”

 

Student-Centered Mission

Elmwood Park is a diverse district where more than half of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This reality informs the district’s mission of equity and access, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed.

“Not every student’s future will include a four-year college degree,” Lachetti notes. “We have to give them the skills and certifications that open other doors—whether that’s through career and technical education, job training, or industry partnerships.”

That focus on career readiness complements a broader mission to ensure all students leave Elmwood Park prepared not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, for the demands of modern life.

Investing in Early Childhood

A major highlight of recent years has been the expansion of pre-K programs, funded through a $6.1 million state grant. The district constructed 12 new classrooms, serving 190 preschool students.

The investment was guided by a 2023 demographic study, which revealed that more than 230 children under age five lived within district borders. The expansion ensures that nearly every eligible family has access to free, high-quality early education.

For Lachetti, early childhood is foundational: “Pre-K gives children the social, emotional, and academic start they need. By investing in our youngest learners, we set the stage for long-term success.”

Mark Jacobus, Business Administrator, underscores the financial benefits to families: “Providing free pre-K not only supports learning, it saves families thousands of dollars in childcare. That’s a real, tangible impact on the community.”

Alongside new pre-K classrooms, Elmwood Park is also constructing multi-purpose rooms (MPRs) at all three elementary schools. Part of a $12 million facilities project, these additions will expand learning and recreation space while creating flexibility to add 12 more classrooms in the future if enrollment continues to rise.

 

Special Education and Inclusion

The district has also expanded programs for special education students, ensuring equity of opportunity. Partnerships with local businesses—including ShopRite and Walgreens—offer students job training and daily living skills, preparing them for independence.

“These partnerships are a lifeline,” Lachetti explains. “They show students that they have a place in the community and a path forward after graduation.”

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

One of Elmwood Park’s most significant shifts in recent years has been the expansion of career and technical education programs. Recognizing that many emerging careers don’t require traditional college pathways, the district has invested in certifications, partnerships, and practical training.

A key collaboration with Lincoln Tech provides students with access to vocational programs in automotive, health, IT, and trades. To facilitate participation, the district has purchased new buses, ensuring reliable transportation. Cohort programs are being explored to allow groups of Elmwood Park students to progress through training together.

At the high school, students can also pursue Google certifications in IT and digital tools, reflecting the growing demand for tech literacy.

“CTE programs are about choices,” Lachetti says. “We want students to graduate with skills they can use immediately in the workforce—or continue to build on if they choose higher education later.”

 

Technology and STEM

Technology has become integral to instruction. The district has invested in one-to-one devices, Promethean interactive boards, and expanded STEM programming. But the real focus is on professional development for teachers, ensuring that tools are used effectively.

“Our teachers are the drivers of technology,” Lachetti explains. “Professional development helps them integrate tools in ways that make learning meaningful.”

Looking ahead, the district is exploring cybersecurity pathways and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into curriculum. These initiatives reflect a commitment to preparing students for careers in emerging industries while cultivating critical thinking and ethical awareness.

A Tight-Knit Community

Elmwood Park’s progress is deeply tied to its community partnerships. The district benefits from strong ties with local businesses, alumni, and families, who contribute to both student success and district culture.

Board President Louise Girardi, who has served on the board for more than 16 years, emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “This is a tight-knit town,” she says.

“When we invest in our schools, we invest in the entire community.”

That commitment is evident in both large and small ways—from businesses supporting job training programs, to parents volunteering in classrooms, to former students returning to mentor the next generation.

 

Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth

For Girardi, education is about more than academics—it’s about nurturing curiosity and resilience. A long-time advocate for early childhood education, she sees firsthand the difference it makes.

“Those first years are critical,” she reflects. “When children start strong, they carry that confidence through middle and high school.”

Girardi recalls the story of a former student who advanced through Elmwood Park’s programs and went on to present a physics paper in Italy. “That kind of success story shows the power of building a strong foundation early,” she says.

 

Future Plans and Priorities

The next 18 to 24 months will be busy for Elmwood Park. In addition to completing the multi-purpose room expansions and adding classroom capacity, priorities include: upgrading transportation, including buses for CTE and extracurricular programs, replacing aging boilers to improve efficiency and reliability, updating lockdown and security systems to ensure student safety, continuing to expand career pathways in partnership with Lincoln Tech and other institutions as well as exploring AI integration and cybersecurity curriculum to prepare students for evolving industries.

Business Administrator Jacobus notes that careful budgeting has given the district flexibility:

“We recently completed our fiscal year 29 budget, which allows us to plan confidently for these projects and beyond.”

Changing Perceptions

For both Lachetti and Jacobus, an important goal is reshaping the way people perceive Elmwood Park schools.

“This is a district with incredible students, teachers, and programs,” Lachetti says. “We want the wider community to see that Elmwood Park is not just keeping up, but leading the way in preparing students for the real world.”

Preparing for What’s Next

From expanded pre-K programs to strengthened career and technical pathways, Elmwood Park Public Schools is a district on the move. With major infrastructure projects underway, strong community ties, and a student-centered mission, the district is building a foundation that supports every learner.

As Superintendent Lachetti puts it: “Our responsibility is to prepare students for their next step—whatever that may be. By giving them skills, confidence, and opportunities, we’re opening doors to a brighter future.”

At A Glance

Who: Elmwood Park Public Schools

What: What: A school district preparing students for future career and academic success with a list of priorities guiding its efforts

Where: Elmwood Park, Bergen County, New Jersey

Website: https://www.elmwoodparkschools.org/