Our city invests in community, but we never lose sight of what makes up our community: our people. We know that our schools have been failing our kids. Both our school buildings and our instruction are failing to meet their needs. In the New Providence, we take on most difficult challenges. To be sure, we’ve made attempts as a city, both in my administration and in prior ones, but we never managed to break through and bring about the change that was needed. It is with that in mind that over two years ago, I called for not just an improvement, but an entire transformation of education in our city. And that is what lead us down the path of this great and necessary undertaking in our public schools today.

 

With the overwhelming support of 86% of voters, we approved the largest school infrastructure investment in not just the City’s, but in the State’s history. With strong support of our City Council, our kids will finally study in classrooms designed for 21st century learning. And with the State’s intervention in our schools, we are working in partnership to ensure that now is the moment when our school transformation begins.

 

We understand that kids spend only 20% of their waking hours in school, and the New Providence sets out to transform not just the “school” system but the “education” system. We take a holistic approach that invests comprehensively in out-of-school time and integrates wellness and mental health directly into the equation.

 

We have set out to create a rich environment for kids regardless of where they are. We have made major investments in summer learning programs, summer jobs, and $5 a week summer camps that now serve thousands of families a year. We expanded recreation opportunities, and increased the numbers of meals served to our youth from 3,000 to over 120,000! We’re making sure our kids stay active, healthy, and safe.

 

The New Providence takes a comprehensive approach to treating the whole child, and we’re not done yet. We hope that you too will be a part of this journey.

 

Thank you for standing with us.

 

Jorge