New Jersey Schools Development Authority Announces Start of Design-Build Contract for Elementary School in Pleasantville

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) announced a $55,765,000 design-build contract award to Ernest Bock & Sons, Inc. to design and construct a new elementary school in Pleasantville. The new school will be built on the site of the former Decatur Avenue School.

"The initiation of the design-build contract for this new elementary school is an exciting step that will result in the construction of an engaging and supportive learning environment for Pleasantville students," said SDA CEO Manuel Da Silva. "Through a collaborative partnership between our construction partners, the school district, and local officials, together we advance an important school facility project that will help to strengthen educational opportunities for generations of young learners."

The construction of this highly anticipated school will result in a 91,400-square-foot, two-story facility for a maximum of approximately 650 students in grades prekindergarten through five. Some highlights of the educational spaces to be included in the new school are: 30 general classrooms, a science demo/art lab, a project/technology lab, a gymnasium, instrumental and vocal music rooms, a media center, a cafetorium with stage, and outdoor physical education/play areas.

The first phase of this design-build contract is design phase services, which are ongoing. This initial phase typically takes approximately six to nine months. By utilizing a design-build approach, some design and construction activities are often able to proceed concurrently through phased advancement. Ernest Bock & Sons, Inc., will work with USA Architects, Planners + Interior Designers, Ltd., on the design of the school. An advertisement for the engagement of a firm to provide construction management services for the project is expected in early 2026.

An early site preparation contract, previously awarded to USA Environmental Management, Inc., allowed for demolition of the existing Decatur Avenue Elementary School, relocation of an existing sewer line and associated site work. This initial site work is preparing the site for future construction of the new school. The new school facility is anticipated to open to students in September 2028. The total estimated SDA project costs for the new school is $72.6 million.

****

About the SDA
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 approximately 900 completed school facilities projects in SDA Districts and has executed more than 5,700 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.