SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HOLDS COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION ON CAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL

DECEMBER 12, 2018 – CAMDEN, NJ – Committed to engaging in an open dialogue and encouraging community feedback, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) hosted a Community Open House for community members and stakeholders to discuss construction of the new Camden High School in Camden, NJ.

The Community Open House provided parents, teachers, area residents, stakeholder groups and businesses with an opportunity to learn about the project and the opportunities that it will provide for community members. Attendees heard from SDA CEO Lizette Delgado Polanco, City of Camden Mayor Frank Moran and City of Camden School District Acting State Superintendent Katrina McCombs, viewed display boards to learn about plans for the new school and asked questions/provided feedback about the project.

"It’s so important to us at the Schools Development Authority to involve the community in the development of new school facility projects throughout the State as schools are more than just places of learning, they are community gathering places," said Delgado Polanco. "We look forward to continuing our ongoing dialogue with the Camden community throughout the construction of the new Camden High School."

"This is an exciting time for past, present and future Camden High School alumni," said Camden Mayor Frank Moran. "In recent years, there has been a strong collective effort to build quality schools and elevate academic standards here in Camden. We have made progress and want our youth to continue to succeed as we develop a pathway to a career and/or college. The construction of the new Camden High School is an important piece in the long term investment in the academic future of Camden's young people. That is why the City is working closely with the Camden School District, State Superintendent Katrina McCombs and the Schools Development Authority to make sure we involve our stakeholders and community members. This is a true partnership and we want everyone at the table providing input from start to finish."

The construction of this highly anticipated school will result in a 270,000-square-foot, two-story education complex for more than 1,200 students in 9^th through 12^th grades. The project includes four small learning communities, a gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium and media center, among many of its state-of-the-art amenities.

The project will be completed in two phases and is estimated to create approximately 1,000 construction and ancillary jobs. The first phase, demolition of the former Camden High School and associated site work, is complete. The second phase began October 2018 with the commencement of the design build contract which was awarded to Ernest Bock & Sons of Philadelphia. Construction activities are scheduled to commence Spring 2019. The new school is scheduled to open to students in September 2021.

"As a graduate of Camden High School, and a strong believer in the limitless potential of our students, I am truly excited about the SDA CEO's vision for the new Camden High School," said Katrina McCombs Acting State Superintendent, Camden City Schools District. "Getting the community involved, and bringing local engagement to the Parkside neighborhood is critical, and represents a true commitment to Camden students and their families."

To date, the SDA has invested more than $260 million in completed projects in Camden alone including five Capital projects and 58 health and safety/grant/emergent projects. The SDA's current portfolio of active projects is valued at over $2 billion – including the Capital Project portfolio, emergent projects and Regular Operating District grants.

About the New Jersey Schools Development Authority

The SDA is the State agency responsible for fully funding and managing the new construction, modernization and renovation of school facilities projects in 31 SDA Districts. Its current portfolio of active projects is valued at approximately $2 billion – including the Capital Project portfolio, emergent projects and Regular Operating District grants. Since the program’s inception, the SDA has provided funding for and management oversight of more than 850 completed school facilities projects in SDA Districts and has executed more than 5,400 grants for Regular Operating Districts throughout the State of New Jersey. For more information about the SDA, please visit our website at: www.njsda.gov or follow us on social media at: Facebook; Instagram; LinkedIn; or Twitter.