Township reaches school milestones.

New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation and Neptune Township School officials observed two major milestones last week--opening a new Early Childhood Center and breaking ground for a unique, award-winning Community School--in the district's multimillion-dollar expansion program.

Township students and community supporters joined SCC representatives, district educators and local officials for the dedication and open house tour of the newly completed Neptune Early Childhood Center--a former light-industrial factory now transformed into a state-of-the-art learning facility.

The $7.4 million, 46,000-s/f ECC on Memorial Drive includes 18 classrooms, a Learning Center, multi-purpose room and recreation areas that are available for community use.

"This school construction in Neptune is representative of New Jersey's continued commitment to our children," said Gov. James McGreevey. "We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century facilities to afford every child the opportunity to get the education they deserve and the skills necessary to start school."

In keeping with the state's Smart Growth guidelines, SCC relocated the light-industry--Sea Jay Manufacturing, makers of plastic injector molding machinery--to a rehabilitated derelict building across the street--retaining its 17 jobs and township tax ratables.

Today's event also featured a groundbreaking for the start of construction of the $31 million Neptune Community School in a park setting near the ECC. The 149,000-s/f facility will offer innovative, state-of-the-art opportunities in science, math and technology for up to 700 pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade students and special education classes when it opens in the fall 2005.

The Community School, designed to meet LEED environmental guidelines, will be a "textbook" itself. The building will feature Plexiglas sections of floors, walls and ceilings to reveal aspects of mechanical and other inner workings.