Barnegat, NJ (May 20, 2009) - Barnegat Board of Education and New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) officials joined students, faculty, community members and area dignitaries in a ribbon-cutting today to dedicate the newly expanded and renovated Robert L. Horbelt Elementary School.

The 15,500-square-foot addition to the existing 57,000-square-foot, two-story Horbelt Elementary School increases the student capacity from 330 to 550 in kindergarten through 5th grades. The addition includes several classrooms, bathrooms and support areas. The renovations include mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades and new fire-protection and telephone/data systems.

Kris Kolluri, CEO of the SDA, said, “We are pleased to be able to celebrate this important event. Our collaboration with the school district has been a productive and successful one over the years. This facility, along with the other school projects that have been completed here, will provide 21st century educational opportunities for present and future generations of Barnegat students.”

The school construction program is central to the state’s effort to mitigate the effects of the national recession. For 2009, the SDA has accelerated projects in response to Governor Corzine’s direction to advance his Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan to maintain and increase a viable workforce.

Robert J. Mahon, Interim Superintendent, stated, "Barnegat Township School District is pleased that the additions to Robert L. Horbelt Elementary School are completed and the new classrooms are available for our students. In addition to a new music suite, there are 10 new classrooms which will provide adequate space for students and provide contemporary facilities to support our educational programs."

The Horbelt Elementary School project was designed by KSS Architects LLP, built by Hessert Corporation, and managed by AFG Group.

This is the sixth project completed in Barnegat through the state school construction program. A seventh – the Lillian M. Dunfee Elementary School – will be formally opened at a ceremony tomorrow. These projects have eased overcrowding, allowing the district to keep pace with this rapidly growing Ocean County community. Other Barnegat projects include the new Joseph T. Donahue Elementary School; Barnegat High School’s initial construction, and subsequent expansion; the expansion and renovation of Russell O. Brackman Middle School; and the renovation of Cecil S. Collins Elementary School.

The SDA managed the Barnegat projects and funded two-thirds of the costs. Altogether, the SDA has spent or committed more than $104 million for school projects in Barnegat. They are eligible for SDA funding and management because the district receives more than 55 percent of its budget from state aid and received initial approval prior to August 2007. Such districts will manage their own future projects.

Overall, the SDA has completed 604 projects in SDA Districts: 46 new schools; 41 extensive additions, renovations and/or rehabilitations; three demonstration projects and more than 500 other projects. The SDA currently has 18 active construction projects in SDA (formerly Abbott) Districts, 3 active Demonstration Projects and 8 ongoing projects in Regular Operating Districts (ROD).