(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) released the following statement on the recent announcement made by the SDA regarding new construction award in Paterson:
“Paterson School District is well-deserving of the funding it has received for the new construction of Marshall Street Elementary School. With over 19 schools that are over 100 plus years old, I know well the dire need of new construction and upgrades in Paterson.
“However, let’s not lose sight of what has happened here. The elementary school project was approved in the district years ago and unfairly interrupted by the administration of Governor Christie. This is not “new” but instead “just gotten around to” construction.
“Many schools have been waiting for real, consistent assistance from this administration to be able to ensure a quality education for all of their students. They must not wait another five years.
“By continuing to use this “here and there” method of funding education, students in Paterson and throughout the state are denied the tools they need to learn in this rapidly, technologically advancing economy.”