Report Details Progress in N.J. Schools

TRENTON, N.J.-New Jersey is moving aggressively forward in its efforts to improve learning environments for hundreds of thousands of children, according to the 2003 Schools Construction Corporation’s (SCC) Annual Report. Former Governor James E. McGreevey created the SCC in 2002 to implement New Jersey’s $8.6 billion school construction program.

The report details progress on hundreds of school projects, including new construction, health and safety improvements, renovations and additions. There are 133 new school projects underway. The SCC is already anticipating the opening of approximately 50 schools in 2004.

By the close of 2003, the SCC also had performed $660 million worth of health and safety repairs at nearly 350 schools to address the immediate needs of existing schools in poorer school districts, known as “Abbott districts” after the court decision that mandated the school upgrades.

The SCC also provided $475.5 Million in support for non-Abbott Districts. The full report is available on the SCC Web site. www.njscc.com