Sea Isle School Targeted for State Roof Funding

SEA ISLE CITY — The tiny elementary school here is set to receive state funding that will help keep the rain off its 70 or so students’ heads.
On Friday, March 6, Gov. Jon S. Corzine announced $180 million in funding for capital improvements for New Jersey schools, including $360,000 towards roof and exhaust fan replacement for Sea Isle Elementary.
According to a release, this funding is the first round of Schools Development Authority (SDA) regular operating district grant allocations.
“Today, we are delivering on our commitment to transform our schools into safe, healthy learning environments for our children,” said Governor Corzine. “We recognize that many non-Abbott districts are struggling with costs for construction, maintenance and repairs to make desperately needed improvements. Investing in these types of projects will help stimulate the economy and create job opportunities during this critical time.”
The total cost of the Sea Isle project is expected to be $900,000 leaving $540,000 for the local district to fund.
In order to receive the state share for their projects, district officials must secure their local shares through referendum or budget approval. The deadline for districts to submit applications for round two funding has been extended to April 17.
Sea Isle School Board members have said they aren’t sure whether city voters would approve such a bond ordinance. The board is expected to vote on the bond at its March 17 meeting.
Last July, Corzine signed legislation authorizing an additional $3.9 billion for the schools construction program. Of that funding, $1 billion was made available for the state share of funding for projects in non-Abbott districts, the release stated.
The Department of Education (DOE) established processes for district applications, project evaluations and prioritization and aid eligibility. The grant awards announced represent the first of multiple rounds of funding opportunities. Sea Isle’s roof was the only Cape May County project included in this round of funding.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com