SDA Approves Repair Projects at Two Newark Schools

Emergent repair projects at two Newark schools got the green light Thursday by New Jersey Schools Development Authority.

Exterior masonry repairs at Hawthorne Avenue Elementary School and structural repairs to the chimney at West Side High School were deemed emergent projects by the SDA because of potential health and safety issues, the agency said in a press release.

"Maintaining a quality educational infrastructure for the children of New Jersey is paramount for the Christie Administration," said SDA's Chief Executive Officer Marc Larkins. "This administration continues to advance work at a steady pace to provide learning environments where the children can excel, both in Newark and throughout the state."

The SDA has delegated Newark Public Schools to manage the repair projects at both schools through a grant agreement with the district, which is then responsible for procuring and disbursing the payment to consultants and contractors. SDA will maintain oversight during the process.

The SDA, which handles construction in 31 "special needs" school districts in the state, has invested more than $525 million in completed projects in Newark alone, including 10 capital projects and 93 health and safety grant projects.

Earlier this year, SDA announced it would begin 76 "emergent" repair projects, including 31 projects in 24 Newark schools.

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