The state Senate passed a bill Wednesday that will help build three new Yonkers schools badly needed due to overcrowding.

The bill passed the state Assembly Tuesday night and passed in the Senate before the end of its legislative session Wednesday night.

The measure would give Yonkers Public Schools funding upfront to build three new schools instead of having to wait 10 years for reimbursement. Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada said the district couldn't wait until the next legislative session for the money.

As News 12 has reported, the city school system is overcrowded by nearly 4,500 students.

Existing schools are also in need of repairs. The bill would provide funding to build one new high school and two new schools for grades K through eight.

The new high school is planned to be built on the football field directly next to Gorton High School. The mayor says the old building would then be torn down and made into a football field.

The other two schools would be built on city-owned property -- one on Ravine Avenue and the other on Ashburton Avenue.

The bill will now head to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk to be signed.