Jersey City, NJ (February 23, 2005) - An historic structure which once housed the City’s Board of Education offices is beginning its history anew in 2005, as it opens its doors to Lincoln High School’s freshman class for the first time in the building’s storied 88-year history.

Students, teachers and community supporters joined representatives of the Jersey City School District, the City of Jersey City, and New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) earlier today for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new Dr. Charles T. Epps Jr. Freshman Academy. A look into the historic past of the Dr. Charles T. Epps Jr. Freshman Academy also occurred as state and local educational and community leaders opened a 1917 time capsule from the building that will house the Academy.

Named for the current Superintendent of Schools in Jersey City, this $14.9 million facility includes the full renovation and restoration of the original 17,300-square-foot building, which was built in 1917 as the Administration Building for the Jersey City Board of Education. The project also included the construction of a 24,500-square-foot addition to that edifice that echoes the design and construction elements of the former Administration Building.

The Dr. Charles T. Epps Jr. Freshman Academy will meet the educational needs of more than 400 ninth-grade students currently enrolled at the adjacent Lincoln High School. In addition to a media center, the Academy will have 29 classrooms, which include 12 special education rooms, three science demonstration rooms, four science labs, and a computer lab. Designed by the Gibson Tarquini Group and built by Bovis Lend Lease, this Academy is one of the first secondary-level facility of its kind to open in Jersey City.

School Superintendent Dr. Charles Epps stated, “Any construction or renovation project requires vision, commitment, and belief, in this case, that the education of our children is important and our children are important for the future of our country, society, and community. The ribbon cutting for this new Freshman Academy is another major step forward in shaping the future of our community.”

John F. Spencer, SCC Chief Executive Officer, remarked, "As we cut the ribbon on the new Dr. Charles T. Epps Jr. Freshman Academy, we are proud to share in this great day for all of Jersey City. This project will benefit students, teachers and the community at large. The SCC is providing high-performance schools that will help transform the future for our young people. Our schools are designed to give students a leg up on learning in academic environments that promote achievement.”

As it begins its third year of operations, the SCC has committed support to more than 2,700 school construction projects affecting nearly 1,800 schools, completed $660 million in health and safety projects at more than 350 urban schools, and is making tremendous progress in the building of much-needed quality schools statewide. The SCC is also building early childhood education centers, launching school-based community revitalization efforts, and strengthening the economy through the creation of employment and business opportunities.