State Awards Newark $100 Million for Facility Upgrades

The state Schools Development Authority, the agency entrusted with new school construction and school repair, has set aside $100 million for facilities upgrades in the state’s largest district, the Newark Public Schools announced.

The money represents just a fraction of the estimated $600 to $700 million needed to address facility issues in the district, where many buildings are at least 100 years old and several facilities are overcrowded. But Newark school officials hailed the award as an important “first step” in the implementation of a sweeping reorganization of the district dubbed the “One Newark” plan. One Newark is an attempt to seamlessly integrate district and Newark-based charter schools.

“[The] announcement highlights One Newark - a community-wide agenda to ensure all students are in excellent schools and thriving communities, and are on the path to excel in college and 21st century careers.  Over the last few months, One Newark initiatives, such as the facilities investment plan to modernize NPS buildings, have brought together leaders, community advocates, educators, local clergy, and friends across public charter and district schools.  Together, we’ve made a promise to Newark families: we must embrace a bold, unified, city-wide plan to build and support 100 excellent schools and ensure equitable access for all students,” the district said in a statement.

“Half the public schools in the district were built between 1851 and 1950 and have suffered from tremendous under-investment.  As part of One Newark -- we need to level the playing field – it is simply unfair to have some students in beautiful facilities and others in terrible conditions,” said Newark Public School Superintendent Cami Anderson.  “You cannot communicate high standards in a classroom with ceiling leaks and crumbling walls.  We must make significant investments and this is a step in the right direction.  We fought hard for this -- with support from many advocates including the School Advisory Board -- and we will keep fighting until every building gives students what they deserve."

"Superintendent Anderson understands that a pathway to creating 100 excellent schools is through state and local partnerships,” stated New Jersey Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf.  “For the last year, the Superintendent has come to Trenton on numerous occasions to make a case for a unique investment in Newark.  While this funding is only a start in building solutions, it will go a long way in making sure that students have safe, modern facilities for learning."

"The Newark Public Schools District has taken a huge step forward in the battle to improve school facilities,” stated Newark Board of Education Rashon K. Hasan.  “Having great educational facilities is a key ingredient to providing a quality educational experience and it's no secret that many Newark Public School facilities are standing on their last leg.”