From technology and infrastructure renovations to upgrades related to accessibility, many schools in New Jersey need improvements. And in the age of COVID-19, addressing health and safety needs by improving air quality and HVAC systems is even more critical than ever.   

Legislation signed last year made it a priority to address such critical operational building needs and the Murphy administration just announced that $350 million will be available for a range of improvement projects; districts can apply for grants from Jan. 30 to May 1.

To be eligible for these grants, school districts’ projects must fall within 13 categories. “The New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) will review districts’ applications and funds will be disbursed by the SDA (Schools Development Authority) once proposals have been approved. Following approval by the DOE, the project will be transmitted to the SDA to offer a grant to the district,” according to a press release from the governor’s office. Officials say the goal is to improve the quality of schooling and education while avoiding state debt. 

“We created this fund with the specific intention of using federal and state resources to reduce and avoid state debt, and to make strategic investments in our future,” said Sen. Paul Sarlo, the chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.