Senator Jeff Klein Announces $170,000 in State Funding for Pennington Elementary School in Mt. Vernon

New Funding Secured By Klein Will Add Playground, Improve Baseball Diamond and Outfield, Provide Soccer Goals and Install New Benches at Pennington School

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with Pennington School Principal Danielle Davis-Marrow, President of the Fleetwood Neighborhood Association Mike Justino, and over 200 parents and students, announced more than $170,000 in state funding for the Pennington Elementary School to make improvements to its recreational facilities at the school’s annual spring concert on Wednesday evening.

“By investing in our local schools, we are lifting up our students and building a brighter future for all New Yorkers,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “I’m proud to have secured more than $170,000 in state funding for Pennington Elementary School to upgrade and improve its baseball and soccer fields, add a new playground, and install park benches. As the Pennington School continues to grow and expand, I know this funding will make a big difference for students, sports teams and the local community. I applaud Mike Justino for his advocacy efforts on behalf of the Pennington School and Principal Danielle Davis-Marrow for her work to improve the lives of students in Mt. Vernon and beyond.”

In 2014, Pennington Elementary expanded to accommodate seventh grade students, with the addition of the eighth grade slated for next year. As Pennington continues the transition toward a K-8 education model, the funding secured by Senator Klein will go a long way for the hundreds of students, school teachers, and local sports teams who use the facilities on a regular basis.

“The funding provided by Senator Klein is a lifeline for our school,” said Danielle Davis-Marrow, Principal of Pennington Elementary School. “At Pennington, providing our students with a first-rate education, top-quality learning spaces, and superior recreational facilities is our priority. We are very grateful to Senator Klein for his efforts to improve the Pennington School and his work on behalf of all students across the Bronx and Westchester.”

“A first-rate learning environment is critical to ensuring the success of our students. As Pennington’s fields and playground continue to see more and more use, maintaining and updating them to accommodate the growing number of students at the school is essential,” said Mike Justino, President of the Fleetwood Neighborhood Association. “I commend Senator Klein for his work to secure funding for the Pennington Elementary School and for his responsiveness to the needs of this community. I look forward to working together as we continue to better our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for countless Mt. Vernon residents.”

The school improvement project will include renewing the baseball diamond and outfield, adding new soccer goals, installing a new play set for children and adding two new park benches.