Christie Visits Newly-Opened Schools

More than 200 days since Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New Jersey, two shore schools reopened this month in time for the final days of learning. Governor Chris Christie visited both locations, Memorial School in Union Beach and Monmouth Beach School, today.

"I'm glad that the students are back and in an environment they feel comfortable," Christie said.

Both schools reopened on June 3, serving more than 1,000 K-8 students combined. After Sandy, Memorial School was described as "almost beyond repair." Total rehabilitation costs reached approximately $1.3 million. Monmouth Beach School experienced flood water levels of two-to-three feet throughout the entire building. Repair costs reached nearly $2 million.

Every student received services at a temporary location while their primary schools were getting repaired.

"It's really gratifying for me and, I think, important for our state, as we continue to move further and further away from October 29, 2012...to recognize those milestones that we hit," Christie added.

"It's really nice to be in your own classroom," said Monmouth Beach School seventh grader Ellie George.

"It feels like home," added fellow student Hayley Bohnert.

Five schools remain closed due to Sandy-related damage. Officials are working to make sure that all schools are operating again by September.

New Jersey schools suffered more than $40 million in damage because of the superstorm.