Now’s The Time To Spend On Montclair Schools, Councilman Says

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Repairs and renovations at school buildings are an inevitable expense. And it may be a good time to bite the bullet and make an investment in the local public school system, a Montclair council member says.

Recently, Montclair Councilman Peter Yacobellis released a statement in response to conversations in Trenton around school construction funding and Washington D.C. with regard to a $100 billion school upgrade line item in the proposed infrastructure bill.

Yacobellis wrote:

“In Montclair we know our buildings need a lot of work. We know the cost of borrowing is at a record low. We know federal and state investments will likely be made available through stimulus and infrastructure bills. I strongly urge the district to think big here and develop a capital investment plan as soon as possible, before we miss this once-in-a-generation moment.”

He continued:

“I would support a significant bond issuance in these economic conditions. With our AAA rating and the federal benchmark rate at 0.25 percent, it would cost us far less to borrow and make these investments now than it would to pay for them in future years when the costs of labor and materials will be higher. Yes to HVAC, yes to solar ... but also yes to more space, updated electric, plumbing, windows, telecommunications, tech in labs and classrooms, updates to fields, courts and auditoriums. Yes to eco-friendly, cleaner and safer learning environments for your kids, teachers and school employees.”

“If not now, when?” Yacobellis concluded. “Shame on us if we miss this moment.”

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