Passaic City Celebrates Groundbreaking
A New Addition for the Mario J. Drago School No. 3
State Provides over $10 million to Passaic City

Passaic, NJ (May 19, 2003) - Local, state and school officials celebrated at a groundbreaking today for a new addition to the Mario J. Drago School No. 3. The addition of over 25 new pre-kindergarten classrooms is made possible with over $10 million funding from the State.

The funding is part of an $8.6 billion School Construction program that will help to revitalize the community, bringing jobs and targeted growth to the area.

School 3 Band Plays Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

"The addition to the Mario J. Drago School in Passaic City represents New Jersey's continued commitment to our children. We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st Century facilities to ensure that every child has theopportunity to get the education they deserve and the skills necessary to start school," said Governor McGreevey.

"The State is committed to improving school facilities for New Jersey students in a cost-effective, streamlined and efficient manner. School buildings must be designed to provide access to modern technology and a thoughtful environment which is conducive to student achievement," he added.

The project involves the construction of a 56,360 square-foot addition to the Mario J. Drago School No. 3 located on Belmont Place. The new addition will include 25 pre-kindergarten classrooms, two kindergarten classrooms, administrative offices, a parent resource room, two special educational instructional rooms, one computer classroom and a cafeteria/multipurpose room. Other classroom space includes a science discovery classroom and an art/music instructional room.

Jerry Murphy, Managing Director, SCC Policy & Communications

"This project is an example of the progress made in the implementation of the State's historic school construction initiative. This new early childhood center is one of many that will be built under the educational facilities law," saidAlfred McNeill, CEO New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC).

Under the Educational Facilities and Construction Act, SCC is responsible for school projects throughout the State. The program is the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey and represents one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.

Top of Page