Trenton, NJ – Senate Education Chairman Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, M.D. (D-Monmouth), and Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul, Esq. proudly announced that three elementary schools in Legislative District 11 have been awarded funds as part of a $42 million federal grant to build and expand preschool facilities.

The grants, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, are part of New Jersey’s efforts to achieve universal high-quality preschool by upgrading and expanding facilities to support early childhood education. Wanamassa Elementary School, Ocean Township Elementary School, and Wayside Elementary School of Ocean Township School District are recipients of the expansion grant funding.

“As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am proud to see this important step toward delivering universal preschool in New Jersey. Expanding Pre-K programs and making ‘mixed-use’ options more flexible are critical to achieving universal access. I remain committed to exploring ways to ensure high-quality early education is available across our state,” stated Senator Gopal, who recently held an education committee hearing on mixed-use preschool programs. The hearing included testimony from childcare stakeholders and preschool programs, paving the way for comprehensive legislation to expand preschool programs.

“Investing in our youth is an investment in New Jersey’s future,” shared Assemblywoman Donlon. “Access to quality early education profoundly impacts the wellbeing, life outcomes, and confidence of our children. These facility improvements are a huge step forward for our schools and communities.”

Assemblywoman Peterpaul stated, "We’re thrilled to see federal funding coming back to New Jersey to support our schools. With over 1.4 million public school students in the state, these dollars are vital to ensuring our schools are equipped to serve families and communities effectively."

The Wanamassa Elementary School Project is slated to receive $147,237 in state funds to offset its estimated project cost of $368,093. Similarly, Wayside Elementary School will receive $87,633 to support its $219,082 project, and Ocean Township Elementary School will be awarded $46,116 toward its $115,291 project. These grants will enable the schools to expand preschool classroom capacity, providing greater access to early learning opportunities for families in the district.