John F. Spencer, CEO, NJ Schools Construction Corporation Testifies
before the Joint Committee on the Public Schools

Jack Spencer, SCC, CEO

Trenton, NJ (March 22, 2004) - NJ Schools Construction Corporation CEO Jack Spencer testified before the Joint Committee on the Public Schools today, along with Department of Education Commissioner William Librera. Mr. Spencer gave the committee members an overview of the program and discussed the progress the SCC has made toward fulfilling the mandates set out in the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act of 2000.

Mr. Spencer focused his message on the overall theme of “Building a Better New Jersey” and underscored accomplishments within the SCC’s various missions of not only remaking New Jersey’s educational infrastructure, but also building stronger communities and a robust economy.

He began his presentation by stating: “I believe that educating our children is among the highest priorities of the State of New Jersey and our nation.” For the SCC, “Our mission is simple – we are building 21st Century Schools for 21st Century leaders. The investments we are making will strengthen communities, our economy and the quality of life for our families for years to come,” Spencer added.

He touched on several policy areas that had been implemented program wide including incorporating LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) criteria in school design, focusing on diversity and small business and on schools as centers of communities. Spencer also discussed the school construction program in terms of providing living wage workforce opportunities, supplying prospects for targeted growth and its benefits for direct property tax relief.

Spencer provided committee members with pertinent data on how taxpayer dollars were being spent in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner with concrete examples. Through the course of the program, the State through SCC has provided temporary classroom space acquired sites for new schools to be built on, executed grants with districts where SCC does not manage construction, as well as procured awards for design and construction contracts. One significant aspect of the program that Spencer noted didn’t receive a great deal of media coverage was the fact that his agency completed over $660 million worth of basic health and safety repairs at over 344 schools.

He also noted that large school additions had been opened in districts like Woodlynne, Passaic and Burlington City in 2003 with anticipated openings all over the state this year in Union City, West New York, Orange, Paterson, Perth Amboy, and Gloucester. In 2004 the SCC has had starts in Newark with the Science Park and Central High Schools, Camden with the Early Childhood Center and 7 in Trenton alone. SCC anticipated more construction starts in Newark and Camden, but also in places like Irvington, Elizabeth, Perth Amboy, Gloucester, Harrison, and West New York, just to name a few.

“Governor McGreevey knows that good schools are critical to developing a well-educated workforce that can compete for the best jobs. Under the Governor’s leadership, we are working harder than ever to ensure that every child can thrive in a safe, healthy and high-quality learning environment,” Spencer said.

SCC Presentation to Joint Committee on the Public Schools (PDF, 16MB)

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