A proposed $10.5 billion state school construction bond could unlock new funding for Newark Public Schools and other school districts in the state to address longstanding needs for new schools and urgent repairs.
Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz introduced legislation Thursday that, if approved, would ask voters in November to authorize new state bonds for school construction, expansion, and renovation projects in high-poverty districts as well as others.
The state, through the Schools Development Authority or SDA, is obligated to fully fund school construction in Newark and 30 other high-poverty districts, including East Orange, Elizabeth, and Paterson. New Jersey’s other school districts can apply for state-funded construction grants through the SDA, which typically contributes a minimum 40% of construction costs…