From left to right, Tara Peterson, Board Member Jan Schneider, Katie Walton, Julia Beese, Board Member Joan Smith, Assemblyman Guy Gregg, Board Member Mike McGuinness, Senator Robert Littell, Courtney Morris, Dr. Carol Callella, chief school administator, Todd Poole of the EDA, Brie Pepe, and Dr. Raymond Frey, Board President.

Lafayette Elementary School Gets $1.4 Million Boost from EDA

Lafayette, NJ (November 9, 2001) – Representatives of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, (EDA), joined by Senator Robert Littell and Assemblyman Guy Gregg, visited Lafayette Township to present a ceremonial check for $1.4 million to local school officials for the addition of eight classrooms and a gymnasium at the Lafayette Township Elementary School.

The funding amount represents a "Section 15" grant agreement, between the EDA and the school district. Dr. Carol Calella, chief school administrator, School Board President Dr. Raymond Frey, and School Board members Jan Schneider, Joan Smith, Mike McGuinness, and several students were on hand to accept the ceremonial check from the EDA.

"We very much appreciate this grant money,"said Lafayette Board of Education President Dr. Raymond Frey. "It will allow us to continue to provide a quality educational program for our children for many years to come, while minimizing the tax impact on our residents."

The funding will result in property tax relief for residents of Lafayette, who otherwise would be responsible for covering the entire cost of the school construction project, which totals $5.9 million. Under Section 15 of the school construction law, the EDA is responsible for providing the State share which amounts to $1.42 million.

Under the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, the EDA is responsible for providing grants to fund the State share of eligible school facilities projects in school districts that receive less than 55% in state education funding, which includes Lafayette.

Littell said he was pleased to participate in the presentation.

"We have worked to balance the financial needs of all public schools instead of pitting one area of the state against another," said Littell.

"By solidifying these grant agreements, the EDA is making good on its responsibility to provide the state share of financing for the school projects that will benefit children throughout New Jersey," said EDA Executive Director Caren Franzini.

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