The City of Trenton breaks ground on new Elementary & Intermediate Schools
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the City of Trenton broke ground on the latest addition to Trenton’s schools. The state-of-the-art facility will house two new schools: the Betty V. Coles Elementary School & the Miguel A. Hernandez Intermediate School.
Within one 124,000 square-foot facility, these schools will together serve up to 837 students at maximum capacity. The new construction will include more than 30 general classrooms, one science demonstration room, an art room, a multipurpose lab, media center, small group instruction rooms, three maker spaces, vocal & instrumental music rooms, a cafetorium, and a gymnasium.
The $89.4 million project will be the City’s tenth capital project completed by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA). Since the inception of its school construction program, the NJSDA has invested more than $380 million in completed projects within the City of Trenton.
“The foundation being built here will support an educational facility that represents our commitment to students, educators, and the community. Together, alongside our school district, state, local, and construction partners, our shared vision and purpose will result in a new school that will unlock countless opportunities for Trenton’s young learners,” said New Jersey Schools Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Manuel Da Silva.
“This groundbreaking represents an investment in Trenton Public Schools, our students, our families, and our future,” said Trenton Public Schools Superintendent James Earle.
Both schools are named in honor of Trenton Public School teachers who left an indelible mark on our students & City. The Betty V. Coles Elementary School will serve students in grades K-3, while the Miguel A. Hernandez Intermediate School will serve grades 4-6.
Betty V. Coles was a graduate of Trenton Central High School. After beginning her teaching career at the New Jersey Reformatory for Women in Clinton, she returned to her hometown in 1954 & served with Trenton Public Schools for more than 35 years. Coles was a community trailblazer, a devoted single mother, a charter member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc – Epsilon Upsilon Omega Chapter, an active member in numerous community organizations, and served as a Trustee of the Trenton YMCA for over 25 years. She passed away on April 6, 2018, at the age of 90.
Miguel A. Hernandez devoted more than 40 years to Trenton Public Schools. Born in Puerto Rico, he moved to the mainland United States to pursue education. Prior to his time as a teacher, Hernandez had enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War as part of the 65th Infantry Regiment. In 2014, this regiment was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of the segregated unit’s bravery & perseverance in the face of discrimination. As a teacher, Hernandez helped strengthen bilingual education and, in 1994, was selected for the Governor’s Special Recognition Program for his public service. Following his retirement, Hernandez continued work in education and GED instruction at Mercer County Community College. He passed away on October 27, 2020.
“This state-of-the-art facility will keep the legacy of these amazing educators alive, empowering our students to continue living by their example of service, dedication, community, and love of learning,” said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora.
Members of Betty V. Coles & Miguel A. Hernandez’s families participated in the groundbreaking ceremony alongside Mayor Gusciora, Councilwomen-At-Large Crystal Feliciano & Yazminelly Gonzalez, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Trenton Public Schools faculty, and NJ Schools Development Authority leadership.
