FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
Email: vhill@plainfield.k12.nj.us
Phone Number: (908) 731-4442 (Office)
PLAINFIELD, NJ – February 17, 2026 – Dozens of community members, district leaders, students, and staff filled Plainfield High School with excitement as Plainfield Public Schools officially unveiled three newly completed learning spaces — a Culinary Arts Classroom and Laboratory, Audio-Visual Studio, and the long-awaited reopening of the school’s pool — projects that have been underway for more than a year.
“Today represents more than renovated facilities,” said Deputy Superintendent Mark A. Williams, Ed. D. “It represents vision. It represents investment. It represents commitment. And most importantly, it represents opportunity.”
The state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Classroom blends advanced technology, high-efficiency equipment, and a design built to support both safety and high-volume production. The space features smart, connected appliances, sustainable energy solutions, and fully equipped working stations that replicate modern restaurant standards.
“Our Culinary Arts program continues to prepare students with real-world skills that reach far beyond the classroom,” said Chief Financial Officer Cameron E. Cox. “Students are being equipped to help address one of the most pressing challenges facing New Jersey and our nation — food insecurity and food deserts. These learning spaces empower our students not only to build meaningful careers, but also to serve and uplift their communities.”
The new Audio-Visual Studio offers students access to professional-grade production equipment, including digital video cameras, studio lighting, green screens, microphones, teleprompters, audio mixers, editing software, and Tricaster systems for live streaming and broadcasting. The studio also includes a dedicated podcast production space.
“This space places our students at the cutting edge of media, broadcasting, and podcast production. Fields that are shaping how the world communicates, informs, and tells its stories,” Cox added.
Dr. Williams echoed that sentiment, noting the broader opportunities the space creates for students.
“Whether pursuing media, marketing, film production, journalism, or digital entrepreneurship, our students now have the tools to amplify their voices,” he said.
While each unveiling drew enthusiasm, many guests were especially moved by the reopening of the Plainfield High School Pool, which had been severely damaged during Hurricane Ida in 2021. The restored facility features a 25-yard competitive basin, six swim lanes, six and a half-foot depth, and integrated diving wells.
“When Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to this facility, the loss was felt far beyond these walls,” said Cox.
Plainfield Board of Education President Hanae M. Wyatt reflected on the facility’s impact on student-athletes.
“Having the ability to practice and compete in their own space brings a renewed sense of pride, consistency, and opportunity for our entire swim program,” Wyatt said.
She also took a moment to recognize Board Commissioner Sincere Malone for his advocacy throughout the project’s duration.
“I would like to acknowledge a person who never stopped asking when the pool would be done — never stopped advocating and never let this project fade into the background — Commissioner Sincere Malone,” Wyatt said. “For Commissioner Malone, this pool represents legacy. On March 3, 1980, Mr. Roundtree set the record in the 100-yard breaststroke, a record that held strong for 38 years until Sincere broke it. That history is personal, powerful, and speaks to generations of Plainfield pride.
Commissioner Malone shared his own personal connection to the space.
“As someone who swam here, this one is personal for me,” Malone said. “The pool was never just about competing, it gave me discipline, confidence, and direction. A lot of kids, especially kids of color, don’t always see themselves in swimming, and having this right in their own school changes that. It also opens doors beyond sports, from learning water safety to job opportunities. I’m just grateful our students now have access to something that can truly shape their future.”
District leaders closed the program by thanking the Plainfield Board of Education for its continued investment in facilities that directly impact student opportunity and experience.
The combined cost of the three renovations totals approximately $6.7 million, reinforcing the district’s commitment to expanding access, enhancing programming, and ensuring students learn in spaces that reflect excellence.
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.