Township officials, Board of Education representatives, educators, families, and community members gathered last night for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Nutley’s new Early Development Center and permanent Board of Education offices. 

The project transformed a 20,000-square-foot commercial building, located at 777 Bloomfield Ave., into a modern, three-story school facility designed to meet two critical community needs: establishing a permanent home for the Board of Education and expanding access to early childhood education. Completed in less than nine months, the fully renovated building now includes Board of Education offices and 10 new classrooms serving Nutley’s Pre-K and early learning programs. The Early Development Center opened in September 2025, providing additional opportunities for local families and helping prepare the district for the middle-school transition that followed.

The project was part of the One Nutley Committee initiative. One Nutley was established in 2022 through a shared-services agreement between the Township Board of Commissioners and the Nutley Board of Education, bringing both bodies together to enhance efficiency, coordinate planning, and ensure strong educational outcomes for families.

“I know the speed at which the government moves, and it's not very quick,” Mayor John V. Kelly III said. “This achievement reflects the work not only of the Commissioners and Board of Education, but also of the many people behind the scenes: our code enforcement staff, architects, construction officials, contractors, and everyone else who helped move this project forward. Their coordination and commitment made this possible. This is more than a celebration of a building. It is a celebration of what our community can accomplish when we work together.”

Commissioner Tom Evans added: “What you see here is among the most significant accomplishments I have had the privilege to be part of in my 23 years on the Board of Commissioners. From the governing body’s perspective, the most important reason this was possible is because we work as one team. Nothing moves forward unless we agree it is the right thing for Nutley. At a time when so much of the world is divided by partisanship, Nutley’s nonpartisan form of government allows us to focus on what matters most: what is best for our community and what is best for Nutley’s children. That is the standard we apply every day. I look forward to One Nutley continuing its important work. There is more to accomplish, and the Board of Commissioners remains fully committed to this partnership.”

“When we first met to address overcrowding in our schools, we recognized that the solution would require a true partnership,” stated Commissioner Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli. “That is how the One Nutley concept was created. By bringing together the Board of Commissioners, the Board of Education, and the school administration, we accomplished something few communities could achieve. In many towns, the governing body and Board of Education do not always see eye to eye. In Nutley, we chose to work together. That collaboration allowed us to move forward with a solution that serves our community, strengthens our schools, and most importantly, benefits our children.”

Commissioner Alphonse Petracco thanked the group for all their hard work. “I am extremely impressed by this building and the progress we have made. I do not currently have children in the school system, but I sometimes hear concerns about the cost of investing in our schools. My response is simple: our children are worth it. Every penny. As long as I serve on this Board, I will continue to support investments in Nutley’s children and their future. I also want to thank our teachers and administrators. As a parent of three sons, I have seen firsthand the difference that dedicated educators make. You do exceptional work for our students, and you have a lasting impact on their lives. The success of our children depends on the partnership among the Board of Commissioners, the Board of Education, and, most importantly, the educators who guide them every day. Thank you for all that you do.”