SCC "Topping Off" New Early Childhood Center in Bridgeton

State Fully Funding $10 Million for School Project

 

Bridgeton, NJ (October 8, 2003) - The New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) held a "topping off" ceremony today to mark the completion of the roof of a new Early Childhood Center now in its final stage of construction at the Buckshutem Elementary School in Bridgeton. The event for the construction milestone was attended by educators, state, county and city officials, students, parents and supporters.

The 60,250-square-foot addition will provide 24 new classrooms and educational facilities for 360 pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students in the Cumberland County school district. The new space also will include a gymnasium, a cafetorium with stage, a kitchen, a small group instruction classroom and administrative offices. The new Early Childhood Center is scheduled to open this January.


Assemblymen Douglas H. Fisher and
John J. Burzichelli, 3rd Leg. District

"This new construction in Bridgeton represents New Jersey's continued commitment to our children. We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century facilities to ensure that every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve and the skills necessary to start school," said Governor McGreevey.

"The state is committed to improving school facilities for New Jersey students in a cost-effective, streamlined and efficient manner. School buildings must be designed to provide access to modern technology and a thoughtful environment which is conducive to student achievement," he added.


Speaking, Dr. H. Victor Gilson,
Superintendent of Schools

Dr. H. Victor Gilson, Superintendent of Schools, stated, "The social and emotional climate in which students are taught can be greatly impacted, for better or worse, by the physical environment. It is our hope that this new facility will have a positive effect on staff and students who will teach and learn in the facility for years to come."

This project, with a current cost estimate of $10 million, is being fully funded and managed by the SCC as part of the State's $8.6 billion school construction program that is helping to revitalize the community, bringing jobs and targeted growth to the area.

Under the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, the 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.