The three schools underwent extensive additions and renovations as a result of a $30 million bond referendum approved overwhelmingly by local voters. Under a special agreement with the district, SCC managed the project while providing $12 million - 40 percent - toward the costs.

The expansion - completed on time and under-budget - will benefit over 2,100 students and was the result of the cooperative efforts of SCC, the school district and Greyhawk Construction, SCC's project management firm. Officials noted that the expansion will not only enable Manchester to meet the needs of its students for years to come, but the district also expects to return a significant amount of money to township taxpayers once construction costs are finalized.

Superintendent, Dr. William DeFeo remarked, "The $30 million dollar project designed to help teachers reach for the highest instructional level would not have become a reality without the help and cooperation of the SCC. Their expertise and efficiency helped provide Manchester with outstanding facilities at a reasonable cost. In fact, the district will be returning thousands of dollars to the taxpayers of Manchester. This was a very successful joint effort on the part of Manchester and the SCC."

Hundreds of students, teachers, parents, community supporters and local officials attended the ceremony at Manchester High School on Colonial Drive. Afterward, there were tours of the upgraded facilities, with buses providing transportation from the high school to the Manchester Middle School on Ridgeway Road and Whiting Elementary School on Manchester Boulevard.