Council Member Joseph C. Borelli (R-South Shore) has announced the allocation of $2.25 million in funding for Staten Island middle schools through his office. The funds will go toward a number of new projects and upgrades for all public middle schools in the Council Member’s district.

The enhancements will include electrical system upgrades in I.S. 75 and I.S. 7, which will allow the school buildings to accommodate climate control systems and newer technology; construction of a greenhouse for the horticulture program at IS 75. Funding has also been allocated to schools for technology upgrades, including smart boards and laptop carts.

“This year I chose to focus on middle schools because it’s the age that children are most vulnerable to making the poor choices that can lead them in the wrong direction in life, and it’s imperative that we allocate the appropriate resources to engage them. In addition to the capital funding, we’re also providing each middle school with an after school program ranging from Sundog Theatre program to the Intrepid’s Aerospace Engineering program. We need to do everything we can to show our middle school students that there are so many opportunities for them to grow,” said Borelli.

“The I.S. 7 community is extremely grateful to Councilman Borelli for his generosity. I.S. 7 was built in 1964 and is in desperate need of an electrical upgrade to support much needed technology and air conditioning units. Councilman Borelli is providing funding so that the students of I.S. 7 can utilize classroom based technology in a comfortable environment. He truly cares about the children of the community he serves,” said Dr. Nora De Rosa, Principal of I.S. 7.

“Thanks to Councilman Joseph Borelli, we will be having a greenhouse built on the school grounds at Frank D. Paulo Intermediate School 75. Our after-school horticulture club will work year-round to grow plants and flowers that will eventually be used to beautify the school campus, both inside and out. Through the generosity of the Councilman, we are also receiving an electrical upgrade to the school that would enable us to put air conditioners in all classrooms. Mr. Borelli is also funding the resurfacing of our gymnasium floor, which will enable us to compete in the middle school basketball league and enhances our many afterschool programs,” said Principal Kenneth Zapata of IS 75.

These allocations are part of a funding package for schools that totals $3.55M. Some of the projects have to be phased in after the electrical upgrades have been completed. The additional funding includes $300,000 for technology upgrades at I.S. 7, an additional $150,000 that has been earmarked for IS 75, and numerous allocations for public elementary schools on the south shore.

“We are extremely grateful that Councilman Joe Borelli recognizes P.S. 53 and its mission to provide a safe, caring, and nurturing environment while we challenge each child to achieve their academic, emotional, and physical potential. P.S. 53 applauds him for supplying us with the resources we need to continue our endeavors. Funding the electrical upgrade so that air-conditioning can be put into every classroom is greatly appreciated by our entire school community. The P.S. 53 family thanks Joe Borelli from our hearts for believing in our future and by helping to keep us cooler, stronger, and smarter,” said Beth Albano, Principal of P.S. 53.

“On behalf of the students and staff at Totten Intermediate School 34, I would like to extend my thanks to Councilman Borelli for securing the necessary funding to create a state of the art STEM Lab at I.S.34. This STEM Lab will provide our students with hands on experience in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) allowing them to become the leaders of tomorrow. We at I.S. 34 believe that cross-curricula exposure to STEM education is the wave of the future. The lab will be the hub of innovation that will allow our students to create and develop projects utilizing computer coding, virtual reality and 3D imagery,” said John Boyle, Principal of I.S. 34.

“The support of Councilman Borelli to our school by way of Reso “A” funding will provide our teachers and students with advances in educational technology and equipment which will allow for new and dynamic models of teaching and learning to take place at our Intermediate School for all students. We are very grateful Joe’s support of our students,” said Leonard Santamaria, Principal of I.S. 24.

“The MAELS community would like to express our appreciation for the funding you provided us. The Council Member’s financial support helps us continue our mission and vision and assists our students with being active members of our community. The support of public figures, such as Council Member Borelli, help our students understand that the entire community cares and believes in them,” said Cara DeAngelo, Principal of Marsh Avenue Expeditionary Learning School.