February 1, 2023

American Institute of Architects NJ Chapter Commends Governor Murphy’s School Funding Announcement And Creates Safe School Design Task Force

The American Institute of Architects New Jersey Chapter (AIA New Jersey) lauds Governor Murphy’s recent announcement that $350 million in funding is being made available for high-priority public school capital projects in districts throughout the state. Through new legislation, Regular Operating Districts (ROD) will be eligible to apply for grants to help fund high priority health and safety improvements in schools.

The scope of work for a school district’s proposed project under this new program must be 100 percent eligible for state support and fall under one of the thirteen eligible project categories. The new funding will enable essential building systems upgrades, building envelope improvements, code compliance, ADA accessibility, security and communications systems, technology infrastructure upgrades, and similar capital-building enhancements.

Coincidental to the Governor’s announcement, AIA New Jersey President, Ron Weston, AIA, announced this week that “our organization has launched a new Safe Schools Design Task Force that will gather and share K-12 school planning and design best practices and resources with a range of stakeholders across New Jersey.”

Weston added, “AIA-member architects are problem solvers that work closely with school boards, administrators, educators, and community leaders to advance the health, safety, and welfare attributes of school facilities. We know that school buildings and grounds must adapt to differing and evolving community concerns and create productive learning environments, all while respecting stretched school budgets.”

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA-NJ News, Architecture in NJ, Legislative & Government Affairs | | Comments (0)