FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 22, 2024

Contact: Edye Maier (609) 858-2909

GARFIELD, NJ – The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) today joined Garfield School District Officials to highlight ongoing demolition work to make way for a new Elementary School to replace the former Woodrow Wilson School No. 5.

“As the demolition of the Woodrow Wilson School No. 5 progresses, the SDA is paving the way for construction of a new facility that will significantly ease district-overcrowding while providing students with a state-of-the-art learning facility where they can achieve academic success,” said SDA CEO Manuel Da Silva. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the Garfield School District, local officials and our construction partners as we advance this important project for Garfield students.”

The new elementary school will be a 125,000-square-foot facility, designed to educate a maximum of 850 students in grades kindergarten through five. The new school will be built on the site of the existing Woodrow Wilson School No. 5. The school will be the fourth new school facility constructed by the SDA in Garfield.

"What an amazing opportunity for the city of Garfield as we celebrate the start of this project that will enhance learning and provide opportunities for future generations of students and families in the district," said Dr. Richard Tomko, Superintendent of Schools. "Our continued partnership with the New Jersey Schools Development Authority is evidence that its mission to deliver quality educational facilities that meet the needs of all students in the state is in full force."

APS Contracting, Inc. of Paterson, New Jersey was awarded a $2 million general construction contract to perform abatement, demolition and site preparation activities. All demolition and associated site work is anticipated for completion in July 2025.

The next phase in advancement of this important project will be advertising for a design-build contractor to design and construct the school. SDA anticipates issuance of this procurement opportunity in the third quarter of 2024. Following approval of an award, the design phase would commence. The design-build approach typically allows some design and construction activities to proceed concurrently through phased advancement. The new school is currently anticipated to open to students in September 2027. The total estimated SDA project cost for the new school is $80.2 million.

The SDA has invested more than $97 million in completed projects in Garfield alone, including the James Madison Elementary School that opened to students in 2018, Garfield Early Childhood Center, Garfield Middle School and 16 health and safety/grant/emergent projects. In addition, the SDA has provided nearly $4 million in funding available through the Capital Maintenance and Emergent Grants.

About the New Jersey Schools Development Authority

The SDA is the State agency responsible for fully funding and managing the new construction, modernization and renovation of school facilities projects in 31 SDA Districts. Its current portfolio of active projects is valued at approximately $2 billion – including the Capital Project portfolio, emergent projects and Regular Operating District grants. Since the program’s inception, the SDA has provided funding for and management oversight of 900 completed school facilities projects in SDA Districts and has executed more than 5,400 grants for Regular Operating Districts throughout the State of New Jersey. For more information about the SDA, please visit our website at: www.njsda.gov or follow us on social media at: Facebook; Instagram; LinkedIn; or Twitter.