As part of the state’s historic school construction program, Spencer said a new initiative – which is considered to be a national model -- is helping make sure that the latest design technology is being utilized to help children maximize their learning potential at new and renovated school projects throughout New Jersey.

"New Jersey has a unique opportunity to make sure that our children and educators have every chance to thrive," Spencer said. "We know that good schools are the key to a quality education. That is why we must take advantage of every resource available to ensure that our schools are serving our children well and maximizing their potential through quality, state-of-the-art learning environments. We are taking advantage of this opportunity to create the finest quality schools for our children—without breaking the bank."

The SCC has teamed up with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), a nationally recognized school of higher learning, to launch the 21st Century Schools initiative. The effort – believed to be the first of its kind in the country -- is designed to create high performing schools by using cutting-edge research, energy-efficiency and technology in the design of educational facilities. The result is a new design manual for architects, which provides guidelines for best practices in school design to maximize student performance and energy efficiency.

Studies have shown that such as proper lighting, indoor air quality, acoustics and community-centered features can have a positive impact on student performance, said Deane Evans of NJIT and Barbara Bohi, SCC Managing Director of Policy and Planning, who joined Spencer for the presentation on the initiative. When incorporated into a school's design, these elements can further support the work of teachers to help students enhance concentration and to learn more effectively.

Spencer told school board members that their support of efforts like these can further the success of New Jersey’s children. "In the last two years, local school boards have been vital partners in our efforts to transform New Jersey's public schools. We need to continue that partnership and we need to keep our focus on these kinds of innovative approaches that will help ensure a brighter future for our children, our communities and our entire state."

The SCC is already incorporating this innovative approach into its construction program. For example, the recently opened Jose Marti Middle School in Union City utilizes daylighting and a community-centered design, which includes a library open to the public within the school. Newark's Science Park High School, currently under construction, will include renewable energy for the building through the use of solar panels. In addition, the high school is oriented on an east-to-west axis, to allow the solar panels to take full advantage of the sun's energy.

Click here for SCC NJ School Boards Presentation

The SCC was created in 2002 by Governor James E. McGreevey accelerate the school construction program, the largest in state history and one of the largest programs of its type in the nation. Progress over the past two years includes much needed renovations, new schools, school-based community revitalization efforts, enhanced employment opportunities and property tax relief. Some highlights include:

• 2500 School Projects Underway – The SCC has committed support to 2500 school projects throughout New Jersey for new additions, renovation, health and safety work, and new construction. Since 2002, the SCC has overseen the design and construction in nearly 400 schools in the Abbott districts.



• Opening 50 New Schools Program-Wide - The SCC is anticipating the opening of approximately 50 schools all over New Jersey by the close of 2004. Twenty-three of these new schools are located within the Abbott districts.



• Over 350 Health and Safety Projects Completed – By the beginning of the 2004 school year, the SCC had performed $660 million worth of health and safety repairs at more than 350 schools to address the immediate needs of existing schools in Abbott districts. These projects included repairs like roof replacements and fire alarm upgrades.



• 940 Early Childhood Classrooms – The SCC is creating 940 classrooms to house over 14,000 early childhood students. Forty percent of schools designed by the SCC to date include early childhood space. Thus far, eight buildings with early childhood space have opened.



• $5.7 Billion Committed Program-Wide



• $3.7 Billion – Committed for the design and construction of school projects in Abbott districts, including Demonstration Projects.



• $1.9 Billion in Support for Non-Abbott Districts - Throughout the State’s 21 counties, the SCC provided grants to 417 districts receiving less than 55% of their budget in state aid. Of the $6.3 billion in total project costs, the State contributed $1.9 billion, providing direct property tax relief for families in these communities. Every dollar of support by the State has meant that one less dollar has needed to come out of the pockets of local residents.



• $100 Million in Support of County Vocational Schools



• More Than $500 Million to Support Six School-Based Community Initiatives – In partnership with local communities, the SCC is supporting "demonstration projects" in Union City, Trenton, Vineland, New Brunswick, Camden and East Orange. These schools are designed to be catalysts for community revitalization.