NEWARK – Senators Ronald L. Rice and Teresa Ruiz today said that they are pleased with the New Jersey School Development Authority’s (SDA) approval of new funding to allow both construction and improvements at 53 schools statewide.
“We made a promise to provide a proper education to every student in the State of New Jersey,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “These school construction projects are long overdue. I am pleased to see that the SDA has approved several projects throughout the Abbott districts. We have a responsibility to build schools in the poorest areas and we finally can get back on track and do just that.”
According to Senator Rice, four projects have been approved by the SDA in Newark.
Senator Rice said that, Gladys Hillman Middle School, which was a previously approved project, will now be able to move forward with renovations and an expansion of the building.
Senator Ruiz went on to say that new construction has now been approved for both the Oliver Street and South Street schools, and the West Side school was also approved for renovations and an addition.
Senator Rice noted that Irvington, which is in his legislative district was also approved for a new Madison Avenue Elementary School.
“The Governor will sign a measure Wednesday that I co sponsored, which will allow the State to provide $3.9 billion for various necessary school construction programs throughout the State,” said Senator Ruiz. “School construction is something we have worked long and hard on. It’s important to fulfill our public promise and State Supreme Court mandate and build these schools. This is the first step in a long path towards meeting the needs of the children of New Jersey.” ###