Elizabeth's New Joseph Battin School No. 4 Reaches

Construction of the new Joseph Battin School No. 4 reached a major milestone this week as the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA), Elizabeth Public Schools, and state and local officials gathered for a ceremonial beam signing. The three-story steel structure is nearing completion, marking significant progress toward the school's opening.

A 17-foot steel beam was signed during the ceremony and will be lifted into place as part of the school's permanent structure in the first-floor storage and maintenance area. The beam signing symbolizes the building's structural foundation and the educational foundation the school will provide.

SDA CEO Manuel Da Silva highlighted the significance of the moment. "Today marks an exciting milestone as we work to bring a rendering to reality. A strong education builds the foundation of future success and this steel structure mirrors the strength of the education that Elizabeth students will receive in this new school."

Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer emphasized the partnership between the district and the state. "The beam we have signed today is a symbol of an exciting future for both Elizabeth Public Schools and the Joseph Battin School No. 4 learning community. It will provide the strength and support for another state-of-the-art school facility made possible through our wonderful partnership with the New Jersey School Development Authority."

The new Joseph Battin School No. 4 is planned as approximately 146,000 square feet, capable of serving up to 1,068 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. The facility will include classrooms, a vocal music room, instrumental lesson room, art room with kiln, three science laboratories, media center, cafeteria, multipurpose room, and gymnasium.

The project carries a $101.5 million price tag and represents the 15th capital project completed by the SDA in Elizabeth since the state's school construction program began. The SDA has invested more than $494 million in completed school construction projects in Elizabeth over the past two decades.

Terminal Construction Corporation serves as the design-build contractor, with DMR Architects Inc. on design and Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects LLC managing the project.

FAQ

Q: What is the Joseph Battin School No. 4 project?

A: Joseph Battin School No. 4 is a new PreK–8 school facility being constructed in Elizabeth through a partnership between Elizabeth Public Schools and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority. The project represents a $101.5 million capital investment.

Q: What milestone was reached this week?

A: A ceremonial beam signing was held as the steel structure neared completion. A 17-foot beam was signed and will be placed into the school's permanent structure, symbolizing the building's structural and educational foundation.

Q: How many students will the school serve?

A: The new Joseph Battin School No. 4 will be capable of serving up to 1,068 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.

Q: What size is the new school building?

A: The facility will be approximately 146,000 square feet.

Q: What features and rooms will the school include?

A: The school will have classrooms, a vocal music room, instrumental lesson room, art room with kiln, three science laboratories, media center, cafeteria, multipurpose room, and gymnasium.

Q: How much does the project cost?

A: The project carries a $101.5 million price tag, funded through the New Jersey Schools Development Authority.

Q: Is this the first SDA project in Elizabeth?

A: No. This is the 15th capital project completed by the SDA in Elizabeth. The SDA has previously invested more than $494 million in completed school construction projects in Elizabeth over the past two decades.

Q: When will the school open?

A: A specific opening date has not been announced in the source material. The construction milestone indicates the project is progressing toward completion. For updated timelines, contact Elizabeth Public Schools.

Q: Who is involved in the project?

A: The project is a partnership between Elizabeth Public Schools (led by Superintendent Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer) and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (led by CEO Manuel Da Silva). Terminal Construction Corporation is the design-build contractor, DMR Architects Inc. is on design, and Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects LLC is managing the project.

Q: Why is this project important for Elizabeth?

A: The new facility represents a significant state and local investment in Elizabeth's educational infrastructure, providing modern classrooms and specialized learning spaces for nearly 1,100 students in the PreK–8 grades.

Q: How many SDA projects has Elizabeth received?

A: This is the 15th SDA capital project completed in Elizabeth, reflecting ongoing state commitment to improving school facilities in the district.