Students, parents, residents and state and local officials attended the afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony at Columbus School, which along with the newly opened Joyce Kilmer School on Whittlesey Avenue are the first new free-standing schools to be built in Trenton in more than 40 years. Students in the Trenton district report tomorrow for the start of the new school year.

Scott Weiner, Transitional CEO of SCC, stated, "Columbus and Kilmer schools are examples of what consistent communication and effective collaboration among the SCC, the Trenton School District and Department of Education can accomplish to benefit of students and the community."

Rodney Lofton, Trenton's new Superintendent of Schools, remarked, "We're committed to providing every child in Trenton with a high-quality education, and that commitment includes creating schools that inspire and enrich learning in vibrant and dynamic spaces."

Lofton continued, "The start of school is just around the corner. Today we're getting a preview of one of the city's newest additions - Columbus School is a top-quality learning facility with high-tech science labs, a large library and world-class classrooms.

"This stunning school," Lofton noted, "represents our commitment to giving each of our students the high-quality, 21st-century education they need and deserve. Any parent would be thrilled to send their child to a facility as bright and inspiring as Columbus." The 73,681-square-foot, three-story Columbus School accommodates students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. It includes large-group and community-related functions such as a cafeteria, media center/library and gym on the first floor. The second floor has 1st through 4th grade classrooms, special education areas, science and art rooms. The third floor includes 4th through 8th grade classrooms, a science lab and small-group instruction room. The new school replaces the original, antiquated Columbus School that was razed to construct the new building at the same site. It was designed by Faridy Veisz Fraytak P.C. and built by Turner Construction Co. Hill International managed the project for the SCC.