NEWARK – Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation that provides $3.9 billion in state financing to replace or rebuild dozens of substandard schools across the state.

“Today, we fulfill an important obligation to our children by making a down payment on the future of their education,” Governor Corzine said. “Every student deserves to attend school in a safe and healthy building. This legislation recognizes that there are needs in both the SDA districts and in the suburban and rural districts.”

Governor Corzine signed the bill (S1457/A2873) at the Oliver Street Elementary School in Newark. Built in 1869, the school is an example of one of the most crowded and is among the oldest schools in the city. The governor also toured several other school facilities during the day, including the PS 20 School in Jersey City; Fairview Elementary School in Bloomfield and Fetters School in Camden.

The legislation designates $2.9 billion for SDA district school facilities projects (Abbott districts) and $1 billion to finance the State share of all other district school facilities projects. Of the total, $50 million has also been directed toward county vocational school district projects.

“I am extremely happy to see that the children in need will finally be able to receive the school projects that they were promised years ago,” said Senator Ron Rice, (D-Essex). “The State Supreme Court has made it clear that children in Abbott school districts must have their educational needs met. I am pleased that my colleagues in the Legislature as well as the Governor recognized the importance of providing safe schools for our children, and supported this measure.”

“These funds will meet a critical need for countless New Jersey students who are forced to learn in ancient and often crumbling school buildings,” said Senator Shirley Turner (D-Mercer). “It's our duty to make sure that not a single penny is wasted as we strive to provide a safe and modern educational environment for all students.”

The Schools Development Authority has completed 576 projects in the SDA Districts, including 81 major projects encompassing 39 new schools; 39 extensive additions, renovations and/or rehabilitations; and three demonstration projects.

Yesterday, the Schools Development Authority (SDA) Board approved the 2008 New Funding Allocation and Capital Plan for SDA Districts. The plan identified 53 schools to be funded for construction, including 26 new school projects. An additional 27 projects originally deferred in April 2007 will proceed.

“Today's bill signing renews New Jersey's commitment to providing access to a thorough and efficient education for every school-aged child,” said Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex). “Good schools are not something that cities simply want, they are something that every community desperately needs.”

“This is a long-term investment in the educational future of New Jersey,” said Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D-Essex). “Building state-of-the-art schools now will provide tens of thousands of children with world class educations for years to come.”

To address projects in non-SDA districts, the new legislation calls for the Education Commissioner to institute a process that prioritizes financing for school facilities projects in those districts and to set-up a process for the annual allocation of school facilities project grant funding available to them.

In addition, the Schools Development Authority (SDA) will conduct a study to determine potential cost savings in the school construction program through the possible use of standardized design elements, components, and construction materials. Any school facilities project that has a State share that exceeds $10 million will be subject to an audit as determined by the SDA and State Comptroller.

“Today we have provided $2.9 billion in school funding that is necessary and essential to the future of New Jersey's educational excellence,” said Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic). “In addition, at a time when our economy is sluggish and the nation is in the midst of a recession, this funding promises to generate thousands of good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans.”

“We are funding desperately needed repairs to our state's educational infrastructure,” said Assemblywoman Elease Evans (D-Passaic). “We would not tolerate crumbling roads and bridges. And we should not tolerate our children being taught in dilapidated, unsafe schools.”

“The funding authorized today will help put New Jersey's educational priorities back on solid foundations,” said Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey (D-Essex). “We have a responsibility to ensure that every generation of children is given every educational opportunity available.”

“Today we make a commitment to getting school children in our neediest communities the educational facilities they deserve,” said Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker (D-Essex). “We should never have to resort to - or stand for - educating our children in converted closets, old boiler rooms, and other make-shift facilities.”

“Today we resume our efforts to restore educational parity in every corner of New Jersey,” said Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer). “With dedication, vigilance, support, and funding we will ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve educational excellence.”

The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Senators Ronald L. Rice (D-Essex) and Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer). Assembly sponsors were Albert Coutinho (D–Essex and Union), Grace L. Spencer (D-Essex and Union), Nellie Pou (D-Bergen and Passaic), Elease Evans (D-Passaic), Mila M. Jasey (D-Essex ), Cleopatra G. Tucker (D-Essex ) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer).