Building a Better New Jersey through School Construction

by: John F. Spencer

Educating children throughout New Jersey is among Governor McGreevey's highest priorities. Safe, healthy and high-quality facilities are necessary in order for children to learn and thrive. As the NJ Schools Construction Corporation's CEO, I am fortunate to head the agency whose sole mission is to provide that environment for each and every public school.

Over the past year, SCC has worked closely and cooperatively with Governor's office and the State Department of Education, New Jersey's school districts and local communities to move the program forward. Here is a sample of what the SCC has accomplished in 2003:

135 architectural and engineering procurements were awarded totaling over $203 million in consultant fees with construction valued at $1.9 billion in Construction. 93% of the firms awarded work are from New Jersey or have offices located in the state. 144 construction notices to proceed were issued with award amounts of approximately $664 million. 89% of the firms awarded work were from New Jersey. 22 sites acquired worth over $100 million. 681 grants executed with 260 districts that receive less than 55% of their funding in state aid for a total state share of over $468.7 million for construction projects with total costs of approximately $1.5 billion. 100% of the necessary Health and Safety renovations completed at 344 schools worth $660 million.

In 2004, the number of school construction projects will accelerate at a phenomenal rate. In the Abbott districts alone there will be 84 construction starts in 2004 worth approximately $1.4 billion. Credit for the momentum we have reached must be shared with Governor McGreevey. Through the Governor's formation of the SCC through an Executive Order a little over a year ago, a variety of programmatic accomplishments have been made. For instance, SCC has streamlined the delivery of schools, strongly emphasized district concerns, addressed sustainability in design, and recognized the program's importance from a smart growth and economic stimulus standpoint.

SCC's opportunity to remake our state's educational infrastructure is one that comes along perhaps every 50 years. The Governor has seized upon this opportunity even at a time of great budgetary distress because it represents a real form of property tax relief. If the state had not stepped in, local taxpayers would have to bear the costs. The schools construction program also represents real job opportunities for men and women to earn a living wage for their families.

In February 2003, Burlington City celebrated the opening of a new early childhood learning center as an addition to the Samuel Smith Elementary School. Burlington City received $3.7 million dollars from the State of New Jersey to fund the building of the Center.

SCC's mantra is: "We're building for the children and the district is the client." SCC's staff is not just committed to putting New Jersey youngsters behind the desks but doing so in a manner that is safe, cost efficient and takes local needs, their students, staff and scheduling into account.

The SCC is committed to efficiencies in scheduling and cost within the context of quality and safety first. In dealing with contractors, consultants, districts and everyone involved, this agency will be firm but fair. This program is about children and that must continue to be our ultimate focus. We are committed to building a better New Jersey through building 21st century schools for 21st century leaders.

 

 

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