Brooklyn schools in District 43 are set for major upgrades after Councilmember Susan Zhuang secured millions in funding in the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget.
Brooklyn Technical High School will receive $5 million to transform its aging Foundry space into a state-of-the-art multimedia and research center. The project will add much-needed collaboration areas for the nearly 6,000 students who rely on research and project-based learning. Built more than 90 years ago, Brooklyn Tech’s library currently has just 12 computers and 2 printers, leaving little room for students to work together.
“As elected officials, allocating city funds for these much-needed upgrades is paramount to what we must do as public servants. Which is why I fight for our students every single day,” said Councilmember Susan Zhuang.
I.S. 187 will get $2 million to upgrade its science labs. The school is one of the city’s top-rated, with strong programs in scientific research, arts and humanities, and business and law. Many graduates go on to specialized high schools thanks to the school’s rigorous curriculum.
Councilmember Zhuang also secured funding for a range of other improvements across District 43 schools, aiming to give students modern spaces and better resources. Planned projects include:
- I.S. 187 auditorium upgrade
- I.S. 227 technology upgrades
- J.H.S. 227 camera system upgrades
- J.H.S. 96 zoology lab upgrade and new hydroponic lab
- K968 STEM lab
- P.S. 101 technology upgrades
- P.S. 105 technology upgrades
- P.S. 186 technology upgrades
- P.S. 205 A+ STEM labs
- P.S. 247 bathroom renovations
- P.S. 331 auditorium technology upgrades
- P.S. 682 playground renovation
- P.S. 97 auditorium upgrade
“I fought to keep this investment a part of this budget, and we won. I kept in regular contact with BTHS staff and toured the facility in 2024 to gain an intimate understanding of the needs of BTHS,” said Zhuang.
The investments are designed to strengthen public schools in Southern Brooklyn neighborhoods, ensuring local students have access to quality facilities and the tools they need to succeed.
