East Orange School Named After NJ Lieutenant Gov. Sheila Oliver

EAST ORANGE, NJ — New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver has been living in East Orange for almost a half-century. And now, her many contributions to her home community – and the state as a whole – will be part of the legacy of a school named in her honor.

Last week, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA) announced the completion of the new Sheila Y. Oliver Academy in East Orange.

The facility includes 24 general classrooms, two self-contained special education classrooms, a science lab, a cafeteria, a multi-purpose room with stage, a media center, a music room, an art room, a technology lab and other support spaces.

The school also includes “1:1 student-device technology,” a crucial provision in the age of the coronavirus and remote learning, the NJSDA stated.

The facility represents a total state investment of $41 million, delivers 77,000 square-feet of new construction, and provides about 500 new seats for East Orange students in pre-kindergarten to fifth grade.

It’s a fitting tribute to Oliver, a self-described “Jersey Girl” born and raised in Essex County, who has served as a member of both the East Orange Board of Education and the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

In addition to her role as lieutenant governor, she serves as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, where she’s led efforts to strengthen and expand initiatives for fair and affordable housing, community revitalization, homelessness prevention, and local government services that support New Jersey’s 565 municipalities.

Oliver wrote a message of thanks to the community on social media:

“I’ve proudly lived in and served the East Orange community for over 40 years and I am deeply touched and humbled that this new school will carry my name. I thank Governor Phil Murphy, the SDA, and the East Orange community for this great honor and I wish the academy much success in serving and educating New Jersey’s future generations.”

Gov. Phil Murphy offered high praise for Oliver and the new school that bears her name.

“As an East Orange resident and highly respected public servant, it is fitting that this innovative school is named after our lieutenant governor,” Murphy said.

“This new school stands for everything she represents as a public servant and will serve as a lasting legacy for all of her contributions to East Orange and the state of New Jersey,” Murphy added.

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