Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto joined today with City Council Member Kevin C. Riley to announce $10 million in funding for Harry S. Truman High School.

The City Council has committed $6.7 million and the Assembly has committed $3.3 million to upgrade outdoor athletic facilities.

“The New York State Assembly has tirelessly fought for investments in education. Investments in our classrooms are essential to the success of our students, but funding for other school facilities is critical too. Participation in extracurricular activities is proven to have a positive impact on student achievement,” said Speaker Heastie. “I am pleased to work with Assemblymember Michael Benedetto, City Council Member Kevin Riley and our partners at Harry S. Truman High School to deliver these new athletic facilities for our students and the community.”

"Today's announcement marks a major investment in our children and their development. Our students at Truman High School deserve first-class amenities such as new football and track fields and we are providing funding to make these things a reality. I'm grateful to Council Member Riley for his partnership and to Speaker Heastie who made this needed project a priority in our recently passed state budget," said Assemblymember Benedetto.

“The Harry S. Truman campus is a staple here in our community,” said Council Member Riley. “Having this field renovated to create a state-of-the-art recreational space for students, as well as the neighboring community, will instill pride for all who step foot on this field. Today marks the day that we have solidified the breathing of new life into the home of the Mustangs, and I know this will bring joy for years to come.”

Improvements will include the conversion of the current field into a turf surface which will be used for football, soccer, flag football, softball and baseball. Surface replacement and upgrades to the track, which will include new space for discus and javelin throwing events, will enable the school to host official track meets. 

The project would also include modernization of the bleachers, scoreboard and scorebox, light and concession stand, as well as additional storage space. This investment will bring the facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Acting Superintendent Melissa R. Ramos said, “We are grateful for the opportunity to upgrade this field that serves so many students and families in both the school and greater communities.”

Principal Keri Alfano said, “We are very excited to have a new sports complex that will accurately reflect and highlight all the hard work that the student athletes, coaches, community leaders and parents put into athletics and fitness programs that take place within the Co-op City community.”