It’s official — Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center, an organization dedicated to providing preschool programs across various school districts on Long Island, will soon occupy the New Suffolk School. Their mission is clear: to offer children with autism a supportive and nurturing environment where they can begin their educational journey.
Earlier this year, voters in this small school district, which has experienced a decline in enrollment over recent years, voted in a referendum to become a “non-instructional school district.” This means students residing in New Suffolk will be sent to the Southold School District, where high school students from New Suffolk already attend.
The New Suffolk School, which saw only seven students this year, was facing an even more dramatic drop in enrollment, with just two students expected to remain if the school had continued operations next year. As two students graduate this month and a family moves out of the district, the school’s future seemed uncertain. School Board President Lisa Zissel discussed this issue during the board’s May 14 meeting, noting that without the agreement to lease the school, the district would have faced severe operational challenges. In April, the board authorized the signing of the lease with Just Kids, which was officially finalized between the April and May meetings.
“It’s the perfect building for the children we hope will attend. When you walk in, it feels like a hug,” said Steven Held, Executive Director of Just Kids, during an interview with The Beacon. The warmth and appeal of the building are not only symbolic but also serve the practical needs of the program’s young learners.
Held further emphasized the critical need for early educational services for preschool-aged children with autism on the East End of Long Island. He explained, “Many children unfortunately find themselves without early intervention services, but if you can work with children and families from birth to age five, the human mind is amazing. This is a time when they will learn more than they will for the rest of their lives.”
The New Suffolk School Board has been actively involved in planning the use of the school’s space. Board member Deborah Carroll mentioned during the New Suffolk Civic Association’s (NSCA) annual meeting, held in the schoolhouse on June 1, that Just Kids plans to use all three classrooms within the building. One classroom will be specifically dedicated to students aged 4 through 6, some of whom are autistic, while the other two classrooms will be used for pre-kindergarten students. The programs are designed to provide a balanced and inclusive environment for all children, including those needing specialized care and attention.
Mr. Held noted that the classroom programs will be determined once the New York State Department of Education approves the elementary-aged programming. The long-term vision is to extend services to autistic students in grades K through 3, providing them with a strong educational foundation before they are integrated back into their home districts. He also pointed out that the Pre-K program could start even before full approval is received for the elementary-aged programming. This flexibility is crucial for meeting the evolving needs of these young learners.
The quiet, peaceful location of the school is another factor that appeals to the Just Kids team. “They’re excited to be in an area that’s quiet, peaceful and off the beaten path,” said Ms. Zissel. This serene environment is ideal for the early development of children who need a calm and supportive space to thrive.
The four-year lease agreement with Just Kids includes only the school property, though the district’s ballfield, which is located on a separate lot, is not part of the lease. However, the lease does cover the playground located behind the school. The school will remain available for community events when school is not in session, providing an opportunity for local residents to continue using the space for gatherings and activities. As part of the arrangement, students will be bussed to the school, while teachers will have parking available on-site. At the end of the first year of the lease, a community meeting will be held to assess how the arrangement is working and whether any adjustments need to be made.
In terms of the building’s condition, the district has been advised to wait on applying for historic landmark status until after any necessary upgrades are made to make the building fully compliant with accessibility standards. Just Kids has already agreed to make the building ADA-compliant to ensure it meets the needs of all students.
Regarding the two teachers employed at the New Suffolk School, Ms. Zissel explained that they were informed last year about the potential closure of the school. Thankfully, both teachers have found new employment opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition as the district shifts its focus.
Mr. Held will be attending the next school board meeting on Monday, June 10, at 7 p.m., where he will be available to answer any questions from the community. The meeting will take place at the school, and a virtual option via Google Meet will also be available. For more details, residents can visit the New Suffolk School website at www.newsuffolkschool.com/events.
The lease agreement was signed after the 2024-2025 budget for the district was finalized and sent to New York State. As the income from the lease is not included in the budget passed by voters in May, Ms. Zissel declined to disclose the exact amount. However, she did mention that the lease amount is “about two tuition’s worth.” For context, the district currently pays Southold School District a tuition rate of $23,615 per year for each student attending there. The Beacon has submitted a FOIL request for a copy of the lease agreement, which is still pending.
In addition to the educational transition, Ms. Carroll is organizing a community-wide celebration to honor the school’s history and its possibly last graduating class. This event will take place on Friday, June 14, from 4 to 6 p.m., and she is encouraging local residents to contribute photos for a slideshow. Community members can send photos to her at deborahcarroll@newsuffolkschool.com.
“We all know this is a bittersweet moment,” said Ms. Zissel. “Everyone’s invited. Please do come.”
With the transition to a non-instructional district and the lease to Just Kids, the New Suffolk School’s legacy is evolving, yet it remains a place where young learners, especially those with autism, will receive the care and education they deserve. This new chapter opens up possibilities for programs for students with autism, providing them with an invaluable early start to their educational journey.
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