Addabbo secures $2.75 million for improvements at several local schools through state grants

Due to an improved fiscal condition, New York State representatives have the opportunity to recommend funding for local schools, non-profit organizations and public safety programs through State and Municipal (SAM) Grants. State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has secured this funding for several public schools within his district.

These SAM Grants are allocated to these schools for a variety of projects to improve physical parts of the school building, technological upgrades, and much more to benefit students, faculty and staff.

“Educational funding is incredibly important in order to keep our schools up-to-date and ensure that teachers and staff have the equipment to properly educate their students. Additionally, the school buildings themselves need to have the facilities required to keep students engaged and active,” Addabbo said. “That is why I reached out to the schools in my district to see if they could use any funding from the SAM Grants to improve their schools, and I got back some great responses. I intend to reach out to other schools in my district for funding in next year’s budget.”

Each of the following schools are earmarked to receive $250,000 for their renovation projects:

• Col. Jeromus Remsen School P.S. 144Q in Forest Hills, for gym renovations and new white boards;  
• Raymond York School P.S. 65Q in Ozone Park, for technology upgrades;  
• William Sidney Mount School P.S. 174Q in Rego Park, for technology upgrades;  
• Anthony Pranzo School P.S./I.S. 113Q in Glendale, for bathroom renovations;  
• Arthur Ashe School P.S. 161Q in South Richmond Hill, for auditorium renovations;  
• Forest Park School P.S. 97Q in Woodhaven, for auditorium upgrades;  
• Horace Mann School P.S. 90Q in Richmond Hill, for auditorium conversion;  
• Rego Park School P.S. 139Q in Rego Park, for a new gym and media center;  
• Rosa Parks School P.S. 254Q in Richmond Hill, for library and teachers’ lounge renovations;  
• Russell Sage, Jr. High School in Forest Hills, for a new gym floor; and  
• Woodhaven School P.S. 60Q in Woodhaven, for schoolyard renovations.  

“Once final approval from the state is in, they can begin working on upgrades and improvements,” Addabbo stated. “I look forward to hearing about their progress and visiting these schools in the future to see the finished products. I am pleased to be able to work with our local schools to provide a better experience for our teachers, staff, students and their families.”