Queens Borough President Allocates $33 Million for School Repairs
The funds will cover renovations to gyms, auditoriums, and labs across public schools in the borough.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. committed approximately $33.04 million in capital funding to public schools for the upcoming fiscal year. He announced the allocation on Nov. 2 at a press conference held at PS 37, the Cynthia Jenkins School, in St. Albans. The money will support physical improvements to school facilities across the borough.
The investment follows a previous record allocation of $43.7 million for the last fiscal year. Richards has directed more than $155 million in capital funding toward public schools since taking office six years ago. His office stated that this school spending represents roughly one-third of the more than $519 million he has allocated to various borough institutions, including libraries, parks, hospitals, and cultural organizations, during his tenure.
The funds are designated for specific infrastructure projects. Improvements will include renovations to auditoriums and gymnasiums. The money will also pay for the construction of new hydroponics labs and playground updates. Each school will receive a portion of the total budget based on its specific needs for facility upgrades.
PS 37, located at 179-37 137th Ave., is set to receive $2.95 million from this allocation. The school will use the funds to improve its auditorium and gymnasium. Principal Lakisha Jacobs joined Richards at the event. City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, other school administrators, educators, and students also attended the announcement.
Richards stated that the funding aims to provide students with resources that support learning regardless of their neighborhood or socioeconomic background. “An investment in our children’s schools are direct investments in our children’s future,” he said. “That is why I couldn’t be prouder to have invested more than $33 million into the borough’s schools this fiscal year.”
The borough president emphasized that the work involves renovating gyms and auditoriums as well as building new labs. “From renovating gyms and auditoriums to building new hydroponics labs and playgrounds, we are working tirelessly to ensure that all our kids, regardless of ZIP code or socioeconomic status, receive the high-quality education they deserve,” he said. He added that when children have the resources to thrive, all families benefit.
