750 Students Take Part in Beam Signing'
At Manchester Township Middle School

SCC Funding $12 Million for the District's 3 Expansion Projects

Manchester Twp., NJ (January 6, 2004) - New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) representatives joined more than 750 students and officials of Manchester Township School District in a "Beam Signing" ceremony today to mark the progress of construction of an addition and renovations to the Manchester Township Middle School as part of a district-wide expansion program.

Over the course of the school day, the students signed a white-painted steel beam that will become a permanent part of the 25,200-square-foot addition to the middle school on Ridgeway Road. The foundation is in and the steel is about to be set for the addition, which will include 18 new classrooms, 4 small group rooms, 4 resource centers, a conference room and a teacher workroom. Renovations will add classroom and cafeteria space to the existing building, and the entire facility will be air-conditioned.

"This work represents New Jersey's continued commitment to our children. We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century facilities to ensure every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve and the skills necessary to start school," said Governor McGreevey.

"The state is committed to improving school facilities for New Jersey students in a cost-effective, streamlined and efficient manner. School buildings must be designed to provide access to modern technology and a thoughtful environment which is conducive to student achievement," Governor McGreevey added.

Manchester Township's middle school, high school and Whiting Elementary School are undergoing extensive additions and renovations as a result of a $30 million bond referendum overwhelmingly approved by voters in this Ocean County community. The work is targeted for completion in 2005.

Under a special agreement with the district, SCC is managing the project while providing approximately $12 million - about 40 percent - toward the costs as part of the State's $8.6 billion school construction program. Ordinarily, districts receiving less than 55 percent state funding manage their own grant projects. However, as a result of this agreement, Manchester is unique, since it is the first "under 55" district in New Jersey to request SCC management of a project of this size.

School Superintendent Dr. William DeFeo said the expansion will both "ease overcrowding and allow us to meet New Jersey curriculum standards." He also noted that the school district has developed a positive working relationship with the SCC in bringing new and improved school facilities to Manchester Township.

"It's been a great partnership. We're just thrilled with the whole operation. It's worked out extremely well," DeFeo said.

In addition to the middle school expansion, the high school project will entail a 43,373-square-foot addition to include a music room, auxiliary gym, a renovated cafeteria, increased classroom and science lab space and improved specialty areas like the TV studio, art classroom and technology labs.

The 5,040-square-foot Whiting School project will include 4 new classrooms, a covered connecting walkway and media center renovations.

"These projects in Manchester Township are examples of the progress made in implementing New Jersey 's unprecedented school construction initiative. They are representative of the many quality school facilities that are being built throughout the state under the educational facilities law," stated Jack Spencer, CEO of the SCC.

Under the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, the SCC is responsible for school projects throughout the State. The program is the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey and represents one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.

 

Left to right: Tom greenwald, Greyhawk, Bob Ryan , SCC , Tom Baxter, Manchester MS Principal,
Andy Moore, Greyhawk, Peter Corigliano Manchester Board of Education, Dr. William DeFeo,
Superintendent, Kevin Burger, Manchester Board of Education

Top of Page