NEWARK, NJ — The Newark Public School District recently announced plans to move its headquarters from 2 Cedar Street to 765 Broad Street after the current school year ends.

According to district administrators, the move will save local taxpayers more $2 million per year in expenses. The proposed new space, which is located two blocks from the current location in downtown Newark, is within walking distance of Newark Penn Station and multiple NJ transit bus lines. The space will inhabit fewer square feet than the previous location, but due to a smaller employee footprint, will also house several additional programs to make the space more "student and family friendly," administrators stated.

The new design will include a street-level center dedicated to family support and community engagement, as well as a science laboratory and technology center in the lower level, administrators stated. In addition, the new headquarters will feature built-in work stations, saving additional furniture costs and providing flexible workspace options for employees, school administrators said.

"With our current lease expiring, we began looking at ways to save taxpayer dollars while making sure we are serving our students and community in the best way possible," Superintendent Christopher Cerf said. "Our decision to relocate our headquarters to 765 Broad Street makes sound, financial sense." For more details, see the district's public presentation here.

Upon final approval, the move will occur during the summer months beginning in July 2017, lessening the impact on overall district operations, administrators said.

Photo: 2 Cedar Street, Google Maps