Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools celebrated the completion of renovations at La Grande Elementary School on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the newly transformed early childhood education center. 

The event marked the official opening of the renovated school at 330 South Avenue and was a precursor to the school welcoming approximately 180 pre-kindergarten students for the 2026-2027 school year. La Grande brings all the district’s pre-kindergarten classes together under one roof, creating a dedicated early childhood education center and freeing up additional classroom space at the district’s elementary schools. Voters approved the purchase of the building last year. 

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast were joined at the ribbon-cutting by Deputy Superintendent Robert McGarry, Business Administrator Christopher Jones, La Grande Principal Megan McNally, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo, Fanwood Borough Council members, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, and several other district and municipal representatives. 

“This is truly a celebration – not simply of the opening of our building, but of what becomes possible when our community comes together around a shared vision for its children,” Dr. Mast said. 

Mast recognized the many individuals and organizations involved in bringing the project to completion, including those responsible for the building’s design and planning, construction, the transition of teachers and classrooms, and the licensing, safety and other requirements necessary to open the school. 

“This has truly been a collective effort,” Mast said. “I simply want to say thank you to every person who contributed, in ways both visible and behind the scenes, to bringing us to this moment.” 

In January 2025, Scotch Plains-Fanwood residents approved the $44.77 million referendum, with $11.4 million in state funding, to bring essential upgrades to all schools in the district. Funds from the referendum were used to purchase the La Grande building to serve as one location for all pre-kindergarten classes, freeing up nine classrooms across the elementary schools and easing space constraints.   

La Grande Elementary School represents a significant community investment in the future of the district. By returning the former district-owned building to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools, the district has established a footprint in Fanwood and created a dedicated home for its youngest learners. 

“This is an incredibly exciting time to welcome our students and families to La Grande Elementary School,” said Principal Megan McNally. “This beautiful new space was designed with our youngest learners in mind, and our entire school community has worked so hard to make this vision a reality. We are thrilled to begin this new chapter and create a warm, engaging environment for our pre-kindergarten students.”  

The project included extensive interior renovations, a selective roof replacement, parking lot restoration, security and technology enhancements, new playground equipment and other improvements to create a welcoming, modern learning environment for students.