Sweeney & Ruiz Participate in Dedication of Essex County’s ‘Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology’

Newark – Participating in the dedication of the Essex County Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology today, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz praised the late-congressman’s commitment to public service and education.

“It is fitting that this new school of technology is named after Congressman Donald Payne, Sr.,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester). “The congressman devoted so much of his life to the future of this city and its youth. All of us wonder what our legacies will be – our families or our businesses or charitable works. But there is nothing that honors a public servant more than having his or her name attached to a place of learning. This school of technology is the future and because of that Congressman Donald Payne, Sr., will always be part of this city’s future. It is a testament to a great legacy.”

“Education is what raises people up,” said Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Ruiz (D-Essex). “Leaders like the late Congressman Payne, Sr., understood that in all that he accomplished in service to the people of Newark and New Jersey. This new school of technology will offer opportunities to today’s youth. It is important in our evolving society that we train young people for all careers, including opportunities in the sciences, the arts or the trades. Opportunity is about choices and education is about having the best choices. Congressman Payne would be proud of this school and proud it is being named after him.”

Donald M Payne, Sr., served in the House of Representatives from 1989 until 2012. He was the first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress. He died March 12, 2012.

The Essex County Donald M. Payne, Sr., School of Technology will be part of the Essex County Vocational Technical School District, which serves about 2,200 students.