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A groundbreaking took place in Garfield Aug. 26 to mark the start of construction for the new Woodrow Wilson School No. 5.

The New Jersey Schools Development Authority is funding the $87.6 million. SDA joined Garfield School District, state and local officials at the Tuesday event.

“As we mark the start of construction for a state-of-the-art school, together we begin a new chapter in the education of Garfield students,” said SDA Chief Executive Officer Manuel Da Silva. “The state’s investment in school infrastructure projects and the work of the SDA have a lasting impact on students in Garfield and throughout New Jersey.”

Key things to know:

• New 132,000-square-foot, four-story facility designed to educate a maximum of 850 students (K-5)
• In addition to general and kindergarten classrooms, school will include:
  • A vocal music room
  • Instrumental lesson room
  • Art room with a kiln
  • STEAM lab
  • Media center
  • Cafeteria
  • Multi-purpose room
  • Gymnasium
• School will be built to receive LEED Silver certification
• Project utilizes a design-build approach, allowing the SDA to contract with one firm for both design and construction
• Design and construction contract awarded to Dobco Inc., which is working with NK Architects PA on the design
• Anser Advisory (part of Accenture) will manage the project
• An early site preparation contract (which included abatement, demolition and site preparation activities at the former Woodrow Wilson School No. 5 site) was completed in 2024
• Once finished, it will mark the fourth SDA Capital Project completed in Garfield since the inception of the school construction program
• SDA has previously invested more than $97 million in completed projects in the Garfield School District

The state’s investment in school infrastructure projects and the work of the SDA have a lasting impact on students in Garfield and throughout New Jersey.
– Manuel Da Silva, CEO, NJ Schools Development Authority

Working together

Officials say the new school will help reduce overcrowding districtwide – while also supporting hundreds of construction and other jobs throughout the project.

Superintendent Richard Tomko described it as an incredible day for students and families in Garfield.

“The groundbreaking ceremony for the new school 5 really is a testament to the hard work and partnerships among the present and past Board members, school administration, and city and state officials who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our students receive the facilities and programs that they truly deserve,” said Tomko.

Da Silva added, “Through our shared vision and ongoing collaboration with the school district, city, state, and contracting partners, the Garfield community can begin to envision the school building that will rise on this site in the coming months.”