Construction on the long awaited expansion of a Queens school is finally underway. 

The school community at P.S. 143 joined local elected officials to break ground on a new permanent addition.

A five story building will replace trailers that were installed at the school back in the 70's to address overcrowding.  The state of the art facility will add nearly one thousand seats to the school, as well as a library, science labs and music rooms.

"We have to give these children who are the future, the best. So that they can give us the best when they grow up. So even though it is not going to be for my children but it is going to be for my community," said PTA President Angelica Salgado.

Officials with the School Construction Authority expect construction to be complete in 2020.