SCC Atlantic Highlands Educators Break Ground for Elementary School Expansion

State Funding $2.1 Million for Much-Needed Project

Atlantic Highlands, NJ (June 23, 2004) - The start of construction of a $6.3 million addition and renovations at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School was marked today in a groundbreaking ceremony by school district officials, students, teachers, community supporters and New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) representatives.

SCC is funding $2.1 million for the project, with $4.2 million coming from bonds, that will provide much needed state-of-the-art upgrades for the school built in the 1920s. The only other major renovation occurred in 1985 courtesy of a $1.5 million referendum.

Dr. Martha H. Wallauer, School Superintendent, NJ State Senator, Joseph A. Palaia, NJ State Assemblyman Steven Corodemus

The expansion will benefit over 320 students who attend the Kindergarten-through 6th grade facility on First Avenue in this Monmouth County community. The 11,000-square-foot addition to the school will feature a new cafeteria, library/media center and a special education classroom. It also will include the school’s first science classroom and an elevator to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Renovations will include the overhaul of the original HVAC system and rehabilitation of classrooms for Kindergarten and pre-school disabled students and small-group instruction space.

Governor James E. McGreevey said, “This expansion project in Atlantic Highlands represents New Jersey’s continued commitment to our obligation by providing 21st century facilities to ensure every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve.

George Strachan, Director, SCC Communications

“Whether it’s nationally recognized pre-school programs, revolutionary after-school programs, or one of the nation’s largest school construction initiatives, we are building a better New Jersey for our students,” the Governor said.

John F. Spencer, SCC Chief Executive Officer, remarked, "This school expansion in Atlantic Highlands will benefit students, teachers and the community at large. It is indicative of the positive impact SCC is having in public school districts throughout the state. Our school projects are designed to give students state-of-the-art technology and academic environments that promote learning and achievement.”

As it approaches its second birthday, SCC has hundreds of school construction projects under way and is making tremendous progress in fulfilling the visionary goal of Governor McGreevey, who initiated SCC in July 2002 to streamline the building of much-needed quality schools statewide. SCC is responsible for implementing New Jersey's $8.6 billion school building program - the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey, and one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.

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