Oct. 26, 2016 By Hannah Wulkan
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer announced yesterday that he has allocated nearly $2.8 million of city funds for school capital projects in his Sunnyside/Woodside and Long Island City district this year.
The capital funds have been spent on a wide range of school improvements, from better technology to renovating playgrounds and athletic facilities.
“The most important thing we can do is make sure our children have the tools they need to learn,” Van Bramer said. “With these funds, our schools can make necessary investments in our children’s education.”
The $2.8 million was split among 26 different schools of the nearly 40 schools in Van Bramer’s district.
Over his time in office, Van Bramer said he has allocated nearly $8.5 million for capital improvements in public schools in the district.
The largest investments Van Bramer made this year were for two playgrounds.
P.S. 112 in Dutch Kills receiving $500,000 for its new playground, while $250,000 was allocated for a new playground at the special needs school P4 at 24-30 Skillman Avenue.
Van Bramer also invested funds in upgrading facilities and adding air conditioning.
Twenty-one schools were also allocated funds for technology upgrades.
Van Bramer announced the school investments at the Aviation Career and Technical High School in Long Island City, where he allocated $50,000 for technology upgrades, including computer carts, smart boards, and a new projector in the auditorium, among other things.
During his announcement, Van Bramer was joined by Steven Jackson, the Principal of Aviation High School, Student Body President Ramanpreet Singh and Student Body Vice President Nicholas Maya.
“Majority Leader Van Bramer has helped to fund many programs and projects at Aviation High School from his first days in office and our students are able to work and learn in a supportive and nurturing environment due to his dedication to our school and all the schools throughout District 26,” Jackson said.
Aviation High School is one of four high schools around the country where students graduate ready to become FAA-certified Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, and Jackson said that it is estimated that 12 percent of airplane technicians in the United States graduate from Aviation High School.