Nearly 15,000 students are benefiting from the openings of these schools. Since the SDA’s establishment in August 2007, the SDA has opened 38 school projects, impacting 28,000 students.

"Everyone at the SDA is proud to have been able to deliver these critically needed projects throughout New Jersey," Scott Weiner said. “These projects demonstrate the results of ongoing efforts initiated during the past 2½ years to increase efficiency and accountability at the agency. We look forward to continuing to deliver additional schools, including those funded by the $3.9 billion authorization signed by Governor Corzine in July."

Overall, the SDA has completed 44 new schools and 41 major renovations and additions, along with nearly 500 health, safety and other projects in SDA (formerly Abbott) Districts. An additional 18 are under construction.

SDA-managed projects in Regular Operating Districts account for five new schools and nine major renovations and additions, along with five other projects. The SDA has an additional seven schools under way.

The 16 SDA-managed schools that have opened this fall are listed below. A map showing where those schools are located throughout New Jersey is attached.

Among the most prominent projects opened this month were Newark’s Central High School, a long-delayed project that accelerated to completion under new management, and Neptune’s Midtown Community Elementary School, where the agency overcame delays caused when errors by the companies involved contributed to development of mold in the exterior walls.

Newark's Central High School, serving 931 students, languished under past management and struggles with the general contractor. The SDA created a special team that ensured the project would be ready to open to students on
September 8.

The Neptune project was delayed when errors by the project management firm, general contractor and architect resulted in the development of mold. The project opened on September 5 after a year’s delay. Turner Construction Co., the general contractor, and SSP Architects have agreed to pay $6.5 million to reimburse the SDA for additional costs. The SDA has sued Gilbane Building Co. for cost recoveries as well.

Barnegat Township, an ROD, had the most projects opening. It has four, including the new Joseph T. Donahue Elementary School.

The SDA manages previously approved projects in RODs that receive 55 percent or more of their budgets from state aid, or which elected SDA management. Under August 2007 legislation establishing SDA, such districts manage their own future projects.

On July 9, 2008, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed legislation authorizing an additional $3.9 billion for the program, including $2.9 billion for SDA Districts. The remaining $1 billion, including $50 million for vocational schools, will be disbursed as grants toward Regular Operating District (ROD) projects.

The day before the bill was signed, the SDA approved the 2008 New Funding Allocation and Capital Plan for SDA Districts. The plan identifies 53 projects to be funded for construction with additional funds, including 26 new school projects. Twenty-seven projects that had been deferred in April 2007 due to a funding shortfall also will proceed.