Work Begins to Replace Civil War Era Schools

Newark's Oliver Street School, which has stood in the Ironbound District for almost 150 years, ended its service this week as the Schools Development Authority began demolition to make way for a replacement school. The significance of the event was not lost on Governor Corzine who was on hand to witness the beginning of demolition where the new school will stand

photoAlt Newark’s Oliver Street School, which has stood in the Ironbound District for almost 150 years, ended its service this week as the Schools Development Authority began demolition to make way for a replacement school. The significance of the event was not lost on Governor Corzine who was on hand to witness the beginning of demolition where the new school will stand.

Constructed in 1869 and among six Ironbound schools over 100 years old, Oliver Street served as a centerpiece for the Governor’s May 2008 tour of antiquated schools demonstrating the need for additional school construction and renovation funding. Two months later the Governor returned to Oliver Street to sign landmark legislation authorizing $3.9 billion in statewide funding for school construction projects.

“This project is the essence of this administration’s commitment to meet its moral obligation of providing the schools that our children need and deserve,” Governor Corzine said. “Oliver Street School’s students have achieved academic progress despite the deteriorated conditions of a structure built shortly after the Civil War, but they can perform at even higher levels when given the opportunities provided by an efficient, modern facility.”

photoAlt When the Governor visited Oliver Street School in May 2008, he witnessed a “classroom” in a hallway, special education students crammed into a room meant to be a storage closet, and students trying to learn on the balcony of a school auditorium.

photoAlt Legislation signed by Governor Corzine in July 2008 authorized $2.9 billion in construction for SDA Districts and $1 billion toward grants for projects in Regular Operating Districts.

The SDA has accelerated projects in response to Governor Corzine’s direction to advance his Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan. Including Oliver Street School, the SDA will begin preliminary or full construction of 27 projects in 2009. This investment will generate 11,000 jobs over the life of the projects.

The new 143,000-square-foot, 3-story school is planned for 869 students in grades 3 to 8. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2010, with a September 2012 opening scheduled.