Business Administrator Peter Corigliano; Board of Education members Leslie Septor, Donald Webster, Gary Rhodes, Jane Stiers, Steve Placido, Mary Walter, and Mort Sternin; former Board of Education President Cecile Thornton; and Superintendent of Schools Dr. William E. DeFeo.

SCC, Manchester Twp. Break Ground for School Expansion

State Funding $12 Million for Secondary, Middle & Elementary Projects

Manchester Township, NJ (October 18, 2003) - Officials of the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) and the Manchester Township School District held a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the start of construction projects at Manchester Township High School, Manchester Township Middle School and Whiting Elementary School.

Educators, state, county and local officials, students, parents and community supporters gathered for the groundbreaking event at the high school on Colonial Drive.

There will be extensive additions and renovations to the three schools, with completion in 2005, as a result of a $30 million bond referendum overwhelmingly approved by voters in the Ocean County community.

Under a special agreement with the Manchester Township School District, the SCC is managing the project while providing approximately $12 million - about 40 percent - toward the costs as part of the State's $8.6 billion school construction program.

Ordinarily, districts receiving less than 55 percent state funding manage their own grant projects. However, as a result of this agreement, Manchester is unique, since it is the first "under 55" district in New Jersey to request SCC management of a project of this size. The high school expansion entails a 43,373-square-foot addition to include a music room, auxiliary gym, a renovated cafeteria, increased classroom and science lab space and improved specialty areas like the TV studio, art classroom and technology labs.

The 25,200-square-foot middle school addition will include 18 new classrooms, 4 small group rooms, 4 resource centers, a conference room and teacher workroom. Renovations to the existing building will add classroom and cafeteria space. The entire facility will be air-conditioned.

The 5,040-square-foot Whiting School project will include 4 new classrooms, a covered connecting walkway and media center renovations.

"These projects in Manchester Township represent New Jersey's continued commitment to our children. We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century facilities to ensure 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," Governor McGreevey added.

According to Dr. William DeFeo, Superintendent of Schools, the construction will be done in phases to be the least disruptive to the students and staff. The new additions will be completed first so that students can be moved into the new wings before interior renovations begin. This will eliminate the need for additional trailer classrooms during construction and accelerate the removal of trailers currently in use - including four at the high school and two at the middle school.

Jack Spencer, new CEO of the SCC, noted, "These projects in Manchester Township are examples of the progress made in implementing New Jersey 's historic school construction initiative. They are representative of the many quality school facilities that will be built throughout the state under the educational facilities law."

Paul Qvale, Assistant Director, SCC Design & Construction read a letter from Governor McGreevey who extended greetings on behalf of the State and commended all of the individuals who made the groundbreaking event a reality.

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.

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