Students, faculty and representatives from the state, made it officials by cutting the ribbon to the expansion project of the new library media center at the Spragg Elementary School.

Kris Kolluri, CEO of New Jersey Schools Development Authority said, “It isn’t just about bricks and mortars investment, that we give them curriculum that meets the expectations of the 21st century workforce.”

Kolluri says the State’s role is to create a positive learning environment for children.

“This means giving access to computers, with software that will prepare them in math, science, English and language curriculum that will prepare them not just for Middle and High School but college and a career.”

Multi-million project expansion includes 3 new classrooms, over 50 new computers and 7 interactive white boards, called the Smart Board for the visual learner.

Melissa Axelsson, a math teacher at the Middle School said, “It’s a wonderful piece of technology that lets the students come to the board, move objects around and interact with the board.”

She says the Smart Board has taken the place of the chalkboard.

“Yes, there’s no more chalk board, it’s a white board but it’s interactive,” she said.

“This projects underlying tone, centers around early childhood education as well as developing literacy,” said Superintendent John Gilly III.

Officials say the improvements to the school are to better prepare the students for the future.

Kolluri said, “We have an obligation to make sure the kids of today have access to 21st century education, so they can be meaningful citizens and meaningful contributors to society.

Classes are set to begin at the Spragg School on September 10th.