SCC, Burlington City Educators Break Ground
For New Wilbur Watts Intermediate School

State Funding $29 Million, 500-Student Facility

Burlington City, NJ (May 19, 2004) - More than 700 students, teachers and community supporters joined representatives of New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) and the Burlington City Public School District at a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the start of construction of the new Wilbur Watts Intermediate School – the city’s first new school in over 50 years.

The new $29 million intermediate school is part of the Burlington County community’s district-wide expansion that SCC is fully funding and managing through New Jersey’s unprecedented $8.6 billion school construction program. Other Burlington City work on tap involves a $29 million high school expansion and three elementary school projects.

Governor McGreevey – who initiated SCC in July 2002 to streamline the building of much-needed quality schools statewide – said, “These projects represent New Jersey’s continued commitment to our children. Working together, we are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century schools to ensure every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve and skills necessary to succeed.”

The new 104,452-square-foot Wilbur Watts Intermediate School on High Street will accommodate 500 students in 3rd through 6th grades. It will include 19 general classrooms, four special education classrooms, three science rooms, a media center, computer labs, art and science rooms, a cafetorium and gymnasium. It also will include Board of Education and administrative offices, basketball courts and playgrounds, a football field and track, and a separate maintenance facility. Also, the school will feature a new auditorium, which city voters approved by referendum, that will be available to community groups after school, weekends and during the summer. Students will attend the present Wilbur Watts Intermediate School during construction. When the new school is completed, scheduled for summer 2006, the old school will be slated for demolition.

Dr. Edward F. Gola, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, stated, "This is a historical day for the City of Burlington. How often does a community get to construct a grade 3 to 6 school? The new school, in conjunction with the additions and renovation to our other school buildings, will provide outstanding educational opportunities for generations to come. This groundbreaking marks a very proud moment for our residents."

John F. Spencer, CEO of the SCC, said, “Under the Governor’s leadership, SCC is providing high-performance schools for New Jersey students in a cost-effective, streamlined and efficient way. Our schools are being designed to give students state-of-the-art technology and academic environments that promote learning and achievement.”

The SCC is responsible for school projects throughout the State of New Jersey. The $8.6 billion program is the largest public construction program ever undertaken by New Jersey and represents one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.

On behalf of Governor McGreevey, Jerry Murphy, SCC COO,
presented Superintendent Gola and School Principal Robert Williams
with a proclamation designating May 19, 2004 as New Grade 3-6
Intermediate School Day in NJ

Burlington City High School Band performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"

BHS alumni Larry Gittens, a professional
musician, performed at the groundbreaking
ceremony

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