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New Wing for Woodside School

Annex Will Add 600 Seats, Replace Trailers

Students at a school in Woodside can finally leave their dilapidated trailers behind.

City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (at podium) announced a 600-seat expansion will be built at I.S. 125 in Woodside and should be operational by Fall 2016.

The city announced last Friday, Jan. 10, that a brick-and-mortar annex at I.S. 125 that will add 600 seats to the overcrowded school.

Currently, 1,731 students attend the school, which serves grades 5-8 and is at 123 percent capacity, according to the Department of Education (DOE).

“I.S. 125 has continued to provide local children with the quality education they deserve,” said City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer during the announcement. “With the completion of this new facility we will help continue the stellar legacy this school has created for future generations of students in Sunnyside and Woodside.”

Lorraine Grillo, president of the Schools Construction Authority, said work on the $50 million annex will begin this summer and is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2016 school year.

I.S. 125 draws students from education districts 24 and 30-some of the most overcrowded in the city.

The annex will replace dilapidated trailers on the school’s playground and will include an additional cafeteria, gym and classrooms, according to information from the council member’s office.

“I am glad that after years of bringing attention to the overcrowding at I.S. 125 the School Construction Authority listened to our community and funded a much needed expansion,” said State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who was on hand for the announcement. “However, my joy pales in comparison to that of the students who will no longer have to go to class in run-down trailers. As our neighborhood continues to grow, fighting overcrowding and ensuring every child has access to a quality education is of paramount importance.”