Public officials gathered last week to the cut the ribbon on Newark Public Schools new 97,000-square-foot space at 765 Broad St. in Newark — Courtesy: CBRE
By Joshua Burd
Newark’s public school system has opened a new central office in the city’s downtown, following a 97,000-square-foot lease announced Friday by CBRE.
The real estate services firm represented Newark Public Schools in the relocation to 765 Broad St., which sits just south of Bank St. The space, which the district has leased for 16 years, houses 350 employees.
“Creating the best environment for our employees and families was a priority for us in choosing this location,” said Christopher D. Cerf, superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “Our new location allows us to move forward to create an expanded culture of collaboration and progress in the Newark school community.”
Cheryl Hardt of CBRE represented the district in the transaction, saying the firm was “pleased to help Newark Schools in its mission to deliver more resources to students through savings, efficiencies and collaborative space utilization.” The firm noted that a street-level center at 765 Broad will be dedicated to family support and community engagement, as well as a science laboratory and technology center in the lower level.
The building is within walking distance of Newark Penn Station and multiple NJ Transit bus lines.
The district — which has 66 schools, 5,595 employees and a student population of 35,329 — is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey, according to a news release. Newark Public Schools Business Administrator Valerie Wilson said the district is creating $2.3 million in annual savings by moving into the new space.
“We are saving taxpayer dollars while servicing our students and community in the best possible way,” she said.
