This project is a perfect example of what happens when we spend school construction resources properly and efficiently yielding a world-class facility that will ensure our children begin their education with every opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Corzine. “By providing pre-k, elementary and after-school programs through a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County, the Catto School is a one stop shop where parents can send their children knowing they will receive high-quality instruction in a safe and secure environment.

Students, parents, residents, area officials and representatives of agencies that played key roles in the project – the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County, the Camden Redevelopment Agency, Universal Keating Ventures L.L.C. and RMJM Hillier – were on hand for the ribbon-cutting for Camden’s first new school in 15 years.

The ceremony marked the completion of the first of six state-designated demonstration projects – public/private community development initiatives that require new schools to incorporate a community component into their design.

The 122,729-square-foot Catto School at Westfield Avenue and Dudley Street will help to ease overcrowding and provide quality education for 540 pre-kindergarten through 6th grade students. It includes areas accessible to the community, including a library/media center and auditorium. The project incorporates the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County and received smart-growth design awards from the NJ Department of Community Affairs, the NJ Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and New Jersey Future in recognition of its serving as a revitalization anchor encompassing mixed-use development and sustainable economic and social growth.

Dr. B. LeFra Young, Camden Schools Superintendent, remarked, "The Catto Community School places the Camden School District on the path to excellence. New buildings along with new approaches to education give children a climate of high expectations for academic achievement and student success. Together with our parents, communities and staff we will create new horizons and lead the way for our young people."

Scott Weiner, CEO of the SDA, stated, "Today we mark a milestone in ongoing efforts to provide 21st century schools for the students of Camden. The Catto School is an example of how, by such investment in the community, we can make real progress toward revitalizing urban neighborhoods. More new schools are on the horizon for this city, and we look forward to working as partners with the school district officials and collaborating with them throughout the entire development and construction process." The SDA has two schools under construction in Camden – an Early Childhood Development Center and H.B. Wilson Elementary School – and plans to break ground soon on Dudley Elementary School and Morgan Village Middle School.

The organization has completed 32 new schools, 25 major additions/renovations and 400 health, safety and other projects, with 28 projects under construction. It is responsible for the school component of the demonstration projects, designated for Camden, East Orange, New Brunswick, Trenton, Union City and Vineland.