SCC, Newark Public Schools to Celebrate New Science Park School Project

Newark, NJ (September 15, 2003) - The University Heights Science Park community in Newark moved a giant step closer today to realizing a dream envisioned 10 years ago. Educators, state, county and city officials, students, parents and supporters gathered for a ceremonial event celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the creation of the University Heights Science Park and the unveiling of architectural renderings for a quality science high school within the realm of college science and technology. Students and the community got their first glimpse at plans for the new Science Park High School that will maximize 21st century educational opportunities for up to 1,200 students.

The project which currently has a construction cost estimate of approximately $63 million and is slated for completion by 2006, will be fully funded and managed through NJ Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) under the State's $8.6 billion school construction program. Science Park High School in Newark will be part of University Heights Science Park, a science incubator that includes several institutions of higher learning - NJIT, Essex County Community College, UMDNJ and Rutgers - Newark. Newark Public Schools Superintendent Marion A. Bolden said, "The school district is pleased that this partnership has resulted in one of our most important school projects. We are committed to providing quality school facilities and this state-of-the-art building speaks to the higher learning environment that is necessary for a first class education."

The new 290,150-square-foot building will accommodate 800 to 1,200 students. Building highlights include: a media/technology center that will include an ITV lab, a long distance learning system and CAD; classroom space divided into "Academic villages," educational learning modules for interdisciplinary instruction, and lecture rooms; fabrication room for robotics and other science-related activities; independent science research area; an auditorium, gym and cafeteria; and space for student services.

"This event marks a milestone for the entire City of Newark. In the next couple of months all the hard work and planning of the community will come to fruition as construction will get underway on a truly innovative school for the 21st Century," said Alfred T. McNeill, CEO, SCC.

Under the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, SCC is responsible for school projects throughout the State. The program is the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey and represents one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.