State Funds Earmarked For Construction Projects At Chester Schools

CHESTER, NJ — Local schools in both Mendham and Chester will be getting new funding under a state grant to address critical facility needs.

The New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) announced recently that $75 million would be appropriated to school districts across the state to assist with emergency construction and other capital needs.

“Every New Jersey student and school staff member deserves a space for learning that is safe, secure, and supportive of the highest educational outcomes,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education.

The Chester School District will receive $22,169. In the neighboring community of Mendham Township, the school district will get $16,896, and Mendham Borough schools will get $10,800.

West Morris Regional, the high school district for both Mendham and Chester, will receive $56,557.

Districts can use these funds for emergent or capital maintenance projects or to offset eligible project or maintenance costs incurred this fiscal year, state officials said.

Funding may be directed toward projects such as site upgrades, HVAC repairs or replacements, renovations to the building envelope (masonry, roofing, etc.), safety and security needs, as well as building maintenance activities.

“Today’s announcement builds on our work to improve education outcomes for all New Jersey students. Providing our students with a top-notch education means ensuring their classroom environments are safe and conducive to learning,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This funding will go toward critical school infrastructure projects throughout the state, bolstering our school communities and ensuring districts are able to meet the needs of their students.”

Of the total amount, $50 million will be provided for projects in the SDA Districts, which are the 31 districts where the SDA oversees school construction. The remaining $25 million will be available for all other districts, i.e., regular operating districts.

The NJDOE website provides a chart that shows the funds available to local school districts for qualified project costs for the current round of funding.