infrastructure firsthand. One of the most urgent examples has been John F. Kennedy Middle School, which had been delayed as a major project for roughly two decades while dealing with serious structural and water intrusion issues. That changed through a layered funding strategy. The city committed $53 million.The district secured a $15.6 million state construction grant. Suffolk then redirected funds that had been planned for administrative renovation to the JFK project, bringing student-led clubs. Gordon links these opportunities directly to attendance and achievement: more engagement leads to less chronic absenteeism, which leads to stronger learning outcomes. CAPITAL INVESTMENT WITH A FOCUS ON REPLACEMENT, NOT RENOVATION Facility investment remains one of Suffolk’s most demanding priorities. Gordon notes that many school buildings nationwide exceed their intended lifespan, and Suffolk has faced the realities of aging 444 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01
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