STATEN ISLAND — A $2.25 million investment in Staten Island's middle schools will include a new greenhouse for a horticulture course.
Councilman Joe Borelli announced the funding for six schools in his district for various projects including adding air conditioning units and upgrading technology.
"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," Borelli said in a statement.
"We need to do everything we can to show our middle school students that there are so many opportunities for them to grow."
The greenhouse set to be built at I.S. 75, at 455 Huguenot Ave., will be used for an after-school horticulture club in which students will work year round to grow plants and flowers, Borelli said.
Here's the breakdown of how the $2.25 million will be allocated:
► $100,000 for technology upgrades at I.S. 64.
► $500,000 for technology upgrades at I.S. 24.
► $150,000 for technology upgrades at I.S. 72.
► $150,000 to resurface the gym floor, $215,000 for electrical upgrades and $125,000 to build a new greenhouse at I.S. 75.
► $350,000 to convert a classroom into a dance studio and $150,000 for technology upgrades at I.S. 34.
► $300,000 for technology upgrades and $200,000 for electrical upgrades that will add air conditioning units at I.S. 7.
