SCC, Burlington City Educators Break Ground For $29 Million
High School Expansion

State Funding, Managing Project to Benefit 1,100 Students

Burlington City, NJ (May 25, 2004) - Hundreds of students, teachers and community supporters joined representatives of New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) and the Burlington City Public School District at a groundbreaking today to mark the start of construction of an addition and renovations at Burlington City High School.

The $29 million project is part of the Burlington County community’s district-wide expansion SCC is fully funding and managing through the state’s unprecedented $8.6 billion school building program. Last week, construction began on the new $29 million Wilbur Watts Intermediate School and three city elementary school projects are on tap.

Meanwhile, city pre-schoolers have been enjoying a new Early Childhood Learning Center that SCC opened last year at the Samuel Smith Elementary School. Burlington City received $3.7 million dollars from the state to build the facility – New Jersey’s first early childhood center to open that was fully funded through SCC.

Burlington City H.S. Vision Statement Senior Class President, Tanya Christian

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 project includes a new 49,982-square-foot addition and renovations to 92,828 square feet of existing space at Burlington City High School on Blue Devil Way. The work, expected to be completed by summer 2007, will provide 21st century educational opportunities for 1,100 students – up from the present 825 students – in 7th through 12th grades. The addition will include a state-of-the-art media center, 10 general classrooms, two art classrooms, two small-group instruction areas, a special education classroom, business education classroom, science demonstration lab, computer lab and writing lab. Renovations will include resizing and realigning 75 percent of the existing classrooms to meet current requirements. The existing cafeteria and kitchen, and music wing and instrumental room, also will be renovated. The existing practice football field and track will be replaced with two practice fields. Parking areas and roads will be added.

“A Vision for the Future” BCHS Junior, Jenna Bramble

Dr. Edward F. Gola, Jr., School Superintendent, said, "This is a historical day for the City of Burlington. The additions and renovations to Burlington City High School will provide excellent educational opportunities for post secondary education, military and the world of work. This groundbreaking builds on traditions of the past while looking forward to challenges of the future. Our students and residents will be very proud of this facility.”

John F. Spencer, CEO of the SCC, said, “Burlington City’s state-of-the-art school projects are shining examples of the strides SCC – in step with district officials and the building trades – is making toward realizing the Governor’s visionary goal of providing top academic opportunities for our students while re-energizing communities statewide.”

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.

Burlington City High School Addition
Craig H. Wilkie, Business Administrator/Board Secretary	Walter J. Keiss, Superintendent, Burlington County
On behalf of Governor McGreevey, Jack Spencer, SCC CEO, presented Tanya Dickerson, BOE President, Dr. Edward F. Gola, Jr., Superintendent of Schools and Julian Jenkins, H.S. Principal, with a proclamation designating May 25, 2004 as New Burlington City High School Day in NJ
Burlington City High School Band

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