GO ZEBRAS! “NEW” NEW BRUNSWICK HIGH OPENS TO COMMUNITY ACCLAIM
Newark, N.J. — December 22, 2009
The “new” New Brunswick High School officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 15, and tours of the new facility for hundreds of students, family members and community residents throughout the week. The 400,000-square-foot building will be in full operation starting on January 4.
The high school campus, with 93 classrooms, four athletic fields, and state-of-the-art design features, was completed ahead of schedule and $5 million under budget. The project was financed by the Schools Development Authority (SDA), with the New Brunswick Development Corporation (Devco) — a nonprofit redevelopment agency — serving as construction manager.
The new facility boasts computer and science labs, a community theater, media center and other spaces necessary to deliver a rich and rigorous educational program, along with a culinary arts lab and a health and wellness center that will be open to community residents.
Academic spaces have been configured for maximum flexibility and to accommodate small learning communities. The new building is also “green,” with an energy efficient lighting system and solar panels.
New Brunswick High School is one of six community school demonstration projects completed through the Abbott school construction program. In addition, 94 new and renovated schools have been opened in the state’s poorest communities, with more in design or under construction. The Abbott program has also completed more than 500 health and safety projects.
These new facilities provide a safe, healthy and educationally appropriate environment for students to reach their full academic potential and graduate college and career ready. Even more, safe and adequate school buildings are crucial to attracting and retaining quality teachers in high needs schools. Research shows that proper space and working conditions are vital ingredients in building a strong and stable teaching faculty and advancing “teacher equity” in challenging communities.
New Brunswick’s success is attributable to an innovative, local partnership involving the Board of Education, the Mayor and City Council, the Housing Authority, and Devco. These partners have created an urban public school that will serve local students and community residents for many years to come.
Go Zebras!
Education Law Center Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Policy & Outreach Coordinator
email: skrengel@edlawcenter.org
voice: 973 624-1815 x24
Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240