Piscataway Township Schools cut the ribbon on a stylish new Piscataway High School Media Center on Tuesday, April 21, debuting a modernized multipurpose space that features a traditional library, meeting space in the style of a college student center, and a cutting-edge esports room.

The celebration was the culmination of two years of planning and reconstruction, which the district completed without incurring any bonded debt. The ribbon cutting was open to the entire school community as the district administration and Board of Education touted the renovations as a modern asset that will benefit current and future students “for the year 2030 and beyond.”

Video: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Video: Guided Tour of Renovations Video: Building for the Future series

“When I was in high school, I would have loved to have been able to walk into a space that looks like this and be able to learn in an environment like this with my friends,” said Superintendent Erskine R. Glover. “This is what high school is supposed to be. A comfortable space, an inviting space, a soothing space. A space where you not only play games but where you can engage in competitive thinking and critical thinking.”

Attendees were attracted to the high-tech gaming center, which includes rows of 20 gaming computers, three large display screens, an interactive Promethean smart board, and modern lighting and design.

The Media Center also include two meeting rooms, a variety of comfortable seating options and gathering areas, several TV screens and smart boards, and over 11,000 books.

The Media Center makeover is the centerpiece of a larger modernization of the PHS Anthony Building that includes two new STEM classes, expanded cafeteria seating, and a new nurse’s office that resembles a health center. The Anthony Gym – home of the Chiefs basketball, wrestling, and volleyball teams – was also remade, with a new floor, vibrant black-and-gold paint job, scoreboards, acoustical paneling, and championship banners.

Visitors, who included numerous District administrators, staff members, former employees, and families, toured the new facilities led by PHS Air Force Junior ROTC cadets, or could go on a self-paced tour with the help of a tour video created by PHS video production students.

“What we have here tonight and what we will be offering to all the students of Piscataway High School is a dream,” said Board of Education Vice President Shantell Cherry. “This area that they will be able to sit in, to learn, to breath. This environment is a soothing environment. That esports room, that’s lightning. It lights up, it’s exciting, and I’m excited that we’re all here tonight.”

Business Administrator and Board Secretary David Oliveira thanked the many people who had a hand in planning the new facilities, including the Board of Education; Superintendent Glover; former Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli and Interim Superintendent Dr. Johanna Ruberto; Spiezle Architectural Group; Facilities Manager Robert Uhrin; and Manager of Information Systems John Bartruff.

“This project has been a couple years coming,” he said, “and we’re really pleased with the results.”

PHS Principal Chris Baldassano said students have been eagerly asking for weeks if the room is ready for them to use.

“That’s the excitement that a lot of students are feeling and that really brings me a great sense of happiness,” he said. “This is a great space and I really think our kids are going to do amazing things with it.”