$7 MILLION DOLLAR FAA Grant Awarded to Jackson Avenue School

Planes flying overhead and noise, noise, noise.  The visionary leadership of Robert Corrado, Jackson Avenue’s Principal, has transformed a problem into  an opportunity.  Mr. Corrado did his homework and discovered that the FAA and Port Authority provide generous grant monies to schools qualifying for their ‘Sound Attenuation Program’.  Professional sound consultants came to Jackson Ave. to study and measure sound decibels and we more than qualified for the FAA/ Port Authority Grant Sound Proofing Project.  In his words, “There will always be problems, our job is to find the answers – and there are always answers.” 

 The loudness of aircraft overhead, which had been an obstacle to instructional time, is now Jackson Avenue’s opportunity.  “We are excited and thankful to know that the learning environment for our students and teachers will be significantly enhanced.  The appearance of the school will also be brighter with new soundproof windows.  Furthermore, everyone will enjoy the comfort of central air conditioning.  This should lead to even higher student success.”, remarked Mr. Corrado.

Planning is already underway.  A  selected committee from Hackensack Public Schools comprised of; Dr. Joseph Amatuzzi, John Bellocchio, Robert Corrado, Edward Freay, Janet James, and Joe McFadden are in the process of working with the FAA and contractors..  Contractors and consultants estimate the cost of the project at 6 to 9 million dollars, completely covered by the FAA and NY/NJ Port Authority.  The project is targeted for completion in the year 2005.

A special thanks goes to Dr. Montesano and Dr. Joseph Amatuzzi, and the Hackensack Board of Education for their vision, leadership and support for this project.