Hoffman Applauds Release of State Funding for New Venice School Construction

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting the release of $26 million by the state’s Capital Development Board to support construction of a new Venice Elementary School.

“The students, parents and teachers of Venice deserve a quality, modern learning facility that will help every child unlock their potential,” Hoffman said. “The past few years have been difficult for Venice families, but this release of funding is a critical step toward returning elementary school services to the community.”

Hoffman worked to deliver funding for the project, which will replace the previous building that was found to be unsafe and condemned in 2020 due to structural issues. As a result, students and staff were forced to complete the entire 2020-21 school year virtually. The following year, students returned to in-person classes at Granite City’s Melvin Price Depot, which is serving as the temporary location until a new building in Venice is built.

Design and planning for the new school has already begun, which the district intends to build at 700 Broadway in Venice – previous location of the old Venice High School.

“This release of funding is years in the making, and I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to make this a reality,” Hoffman said. “Superintendent Cindy Tolbert, district staff, Venice teachers, parents, community members and everyone else who dedicated themselves to this project have made a significant impact in the lives of our area’s children. I look forward to seeing this new school rise.”

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.