$42 million grant will improve preschools
By: Manahil Ahmed
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Governor Phil Murphy and action Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced Wednesday [12/04/2024] the allocation of more than $42 million in federal funding to expand and improve preschool facilities in 22 school districts across New Jersey.
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The funding marks a major step in the administration's push for universal access to high-quality preschool.
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"High-quality preschool can positively impact the trajectory of a child's life, which is why we have made it our mission to expand access to these critical programs" Murphy said.. "These grants awards represent an investment in our children;s future and will help bring us closer to achieving universal preschool in New Jersey."
..... The grant is part of the second round of the Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grant, which uses $120 million allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act.
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In the first round, the state distributed more than $74 million, including $52 million announced in November 2023.
..... The grants am to adders a key barrier to preschool expansion - inadequate facilities.
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"Families and educators in many school districts have been eager to establish new, high-quality preschool programs in their community," Dehmer said. "This funding provides the resources to build, expand or renovate school facilities specifically for preschool students."
..... The initiative prioritizes increasing preschool seats by at least 10%, expanding classroom capacity, enhancing facilities with features such as restrooms, and converting half-day programs into full-day options.
..... Here are the schools that receive money from the state
* Joseph C. Shaner Memorial Elementary School, Hamilton Township: $2,788.643.
* Hammonton Early Childhood Educational Center, Hammonton: $2,757.805.
* Charles R. smith Early childhood Center, Palisades Park: $2,040,061.
* Cinnaminson Memorial Palmyra, Cinnaminson Township: $150.000.
* Delaware Avenue School, Palmyar: $1,050,000.
* Baldwin Elementary School, Pennsauken Township: $7,672,922.
* Commercial Township School, Commercial Township: $1,028,105.
* Mount Pleasant Elementary School, West Orange: $1,456,000.
* spruce Run Preschool, Clinton Township: $232,000.
* Three Bridges School, Readington Township: $208,363.
* Columbus Elementary School, Carteret: $5,858,632.
* John P. Faber Elementary School, Dunellen: $3,463,300.
* Irving Primary School, Highland Park: 573,240.
* Fellowship Farms Elementary School, Piscataway Township $2,268,500.
* Wayside Elementary School, Ocean Township: $87,633.
* Ocean township elementary School, Ocean Township $46,116.
* Wanamassa Elementary School, ocean Township: $147,237.
* Mill Pone Elementary School, Lacey Township, $1,250,000.
* Ocean Rad elementary School, Point Pleasant: $93,702.
* Preakness Early childhood Center, Wayne: $5,014,070.
* Franklin Borough School, Franklin Borough: $211,069.
* Sandyston Walpack School, Sandyston Walpack: $400,000.
* Franklin Elementary School, Rahway: $1,102,366.
* Roosevelt Elementary School, Rahway: $1,070,664.
* Liberty Elementary School, Great Meadows: $1,037,550.