Office of the Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Brian Barrow,  Superintendent of Schools
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Dear Parents & Guardians,

I hope you and your families are enjoying a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy one another. It is hard to believe that the start of a new school year is just around the corner! Soon, our schools will once again be filled with the energy and excitement of students reconnecting with friends, meeting new teachers, learning, and growing together.

We are excited to welcome our students and families back to the East Rutherford School District for the 2026–2027 school year. I am honored to introduce myself as your Superintendent of Schools, Brian Barrow. After serving as Principal of McKenzie School for the past 15 years, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community in a new role. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated administration, teachers, support staff, families, and community to provide our students with a safe, supportive, and outstanding educational experience.

Our district has been busy throughout the summer preparing for the year ahead. Our staff have been working to ensure that our facilities and grounds are ready, curriculum and instructional planning are in place, professional learning opportunities are prepared, and student schedules and programs are finalized. We are looking forward to welcoming our students back on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

As I begin my first year as Superintendent, I am especially grateful for the relationships I have built throughout my years in the East Rutherford School District. I am excited to build upon that foundation and continue working together to support the success of every student. As we begin the new school year, I look forward to sharing our district priorities, celebrating our accomplishments, and creating opportunities for our school community to remain connected and engaged.

As we prepare for the first day of school, please take a moment to review the following important information:

District Re-Registration

In March 2026, the District began its annual re-registration process. Since that time, our school office staff have worked diligently with families to ensure that student records are accurate and that all registrations are finalized prior to Monday, August 24, 2026.

Thank you to the many families who have completed this process in a timely manner. If your child's re-registration is not yet complete, please contact your child's school as soon as possible to finalize the process. Final notices have been sent to families with outstanding requirements.

Please be advised that until all required documentation has been received and verified:

• ●  Your Genesis Parent Portal account may remain locked.

• ●  Your child's re-registration status will remain incomplete.

• ●  Students whose re-registration has not been completed will not be assigned to classes or

  permitted to attend school at the start of the 2026–2027 school year until the registration

  process is finalized as they are not a registered student.

• ●  If you believe you have already submitted the requested documentation or have questions

  regarding any outstanding requirements, please contact your child's school for confirmation and clarification.

  We appreciate your prompt attention to this important process and thank you for helping us ensure that our student records are accurate and up to date.

  Preschool Expansion

  We are excited to continue expanding our Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) program to meet the needs of our school community by providing full-day, tuition-free preschool for eligible three- and four-year-old East Rutherford residents. This year, we are proud to continue our partnership with Kiddie Academy, adding three additional preschool classrooms and expanding our program to a total of seven preschool classrooms. This expansion represents an exciting investment in our youngest learners and provides more families with access to high-quality early childhood education.

  The district is in the process of finalizing mandated policy and regulation (Policy & Regulation 5516 – Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices) to comply with recent legislation passed to eliminate student use of personal cell phones and devices in school. Further information will be forthcoming from your child’s building principal on the new policy & regulation.

  Please take a moment to review the 2026–2027 District Calendar so that you can plan ahead for important school dates, holidays, conferences, professional development days, and other events throughout the year.

  Over the coming days, families will receive additional information regarding transportation, technology, medical requirements, lunch programs, school schedules, supplies, and school-specific procedures in a message from your child’s Principal. Our principals and staff will

continue to provide the information you need to help your family begin the school year prepared and confident.

Most importantly, please know that our commitment to your children remains stronger than ever. Our administration, teachers, and support staff are dedicated professionals who are prepared to welcome our students back and provide them with a positive, engaging, and supportive school experience.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful final few weeks of summer. We can't wait to welcome you back!

Warm regards,

Brian Barrow

Brian Barrow Superintendent of Schools