NEWARK, NJ — When the crowds of eager, smiling children entered South Street School – the district's first since regaining local control over its facilities – it represented a "milestone in the education of children in Newark."

That's how Public Schools Superintendent Roger León described the atmosphere on Monday as 200 students joined several local officials at the grand opening of the new school at 44 Hermon Street in Newark's Ironbound section. The school is the first to open in Newark in the post-state-control era, which existed for 23 years before the reins were restored to the city's residents earlier this year.

See related article: Positive Vibes As Newark Schools Return To Local Control

See related article: Newark Celebrates 1st Day Of School Under Local Control (PHOTOS) "The new South Street School will allow us to educate our students with advanced technology and spaces designed to meet the needs of every student, regardless of their academic level or needs," León said Monday, surrounded by officials including the CEO of the New Jersey School Development Authority, Senator Teresa Ruiz, Mayor Ras Baraka and Assemblywomen Eliana Pinto Marin and Shanique Speight. "Every child in Newark deserves a great new school building with the highest expectations for teaching and learning," León emphasized. "The new South Street School is one step closer in that direction."



According to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA):

"The new, 103,000 square-foot facility, which has not replaced the old structure but serves as the new South Street School, can accommodate up to 657 students in grades pre-Kindergarten through eight. There are 29 general classrooms as well as two science labs, three specialized classrooms (computer/technology lab, world language room, art room), a multipurpose room with a stage, a separate cafeteria and a gymnasium. In addition, there is a surface playground and a roof-top play/reading area." Ernest Bock & Sons was awarded the design-build construction contract in October 2015, with SSP Architectural Group as the architect. STV Construction, Inc. acted as construction manager. The total estimated project costs were $69.9 million.



See related article: Newark Breaks Ground On $70M South Street Elementary School