Hackensack Neighbors-helping-Neighbors Assists Potentially Laid-Off Teachers & Staff

Community group provides resources and job opportunities for school employees facing layoffs due to budget shortfall.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Following a $17 million budget shortfall, nearly 100 Hackensack Public Schools employees may be laid off by the end of next month. To help teachers and staff seeking new positions, the community group Neighbors-helping-Neighbors (NhN) has provided a variety of resources and job opportunities in and around Bergen County.

Why it matters

The potential layoffs of nearly 100 teachers and staff in Hackensack's public school system would have a significant impact on the community, disrupting education and creating financial hardship for affected families. NhN's rapid response to connect these employees with new job opportunities is an important effort to support the local community during a challenging time.

The details

The approved resolution follows the Hackensack Board of Education's Corrective Action Plan. However, the layoffs could be frozen if the Mayor and Council's emergency fund transfer is approved by the State, as well as the Board's request to access reserve accounts. NhN, a rapid-response community initiative, has stepped in to research and list various resources and job opportunities for the potentially laid-off school staff.

  • The Hackensack Board of Education anticipates receiving notice of the layoffs from the state any day now.
  • The layoffs are currently scheduled to take effect by the end of next month (March 2026).

The players

Hackensack Public Schools

The public school district in Hackensack, New Jersey facing a $17 million budget shortfall that may result in nearly 100 employee layoffs.

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors (NhN)

A rapid-response community initiative created to support Hackensack and other communities when urgent needs arise, including by providing resources and assistance to those facing sudden challenges.

Jennifer Harris

The President of the Hackensack Board of Education.

John Fugazzie

The Founder of Neighbors-helping-Neighbors (NhN).

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What they’re saying

“We are still waiting for our notice from the state. We are anticipating for it to come any day now, crossing fingers, and the moment that does happen, we are going to set up a special meeting for that. So you know, unfortunately, again, our hands are tied that there is nothing that we can do at this point but wait for that letter.”

— Jennifer Harris, President, Hackensack Board of Education (tapinto.net)

“Drawing on our network of volunteers, partners, and local leaders, we moved quickly to deliver hands‑on assistance, essential resources, and compassionate support to residents facing sudden challenges. This page highlights how NhN stepped up in real time—working side‑by‑side with the community to ensure no one was left without help when it mattered most.”

— John Fugazzie, Founder, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors (tapinto.net)

What’s next

The Hackensack Board of Education plans to hold a special meeting as soon as they receive the official notice of layoffs from the state, at which point they will determine the next steps.

The takeaway

This situation underscores the importance of community-based initiatives like Neighbors-helping-Neighbors that can rapidly mobilize to support local residents facing unexpected challenges, such as the potential layoffs of nearly 100 Hackensack public school employees. By providing resources and job opportunities, NhN is playing a vital role in helping these workers find new positions and maintain financial stability during a difficult time.