Upper Deerfield Township School Breaks Ground on New Expansion

UPPER DEERFIELD, NEW JERSEY. (September 15, 2025) – Local officials gathered in Upper Deerfield on September 15 to celebrate the Charles F. Seabrook School expansion groundbreaking. Through this project, the Board of Education of Upper Deerfield will add 18,850 square feet to the school, including 12 new pre-k classrooms plus new resource rooms and amenities.

The school is currently near capacity, and the expansion will prevent overcrowding while opening additional, flexible classroom space that will be used to address future needs.

To reach this milestone, the project required coordination across multiple partners at the local, county, and state level.  

“Everybody had one common goal at the end of the day…meeting the needs of our children. They’re our future,” said Dr. Peter Koza, Superintendent of Upper Deerfield Township Schools.

The $9 million expansion project was made possible through a unique financing structure that minimizes impact on local taxes. By demonstrating the need for this project, the Board of Education of Upper Deerfield obtained a $5 million grant from the State of New Jersey to fund the expansion, covering more than half the cost. State grants typically cover less than 20% of the cost for similar projects under traditional classroom expansion funding.

To address the remaining balance, the Board of Education and The Authority, with the support of Cumberland County, identified a creative solution, becoming the first project in the state to utilize a new provision in state law that allows school districts to partner with local improvement authorities to finance critical and required school facilities.

The Authority presented the proposal to the New Jersey Local Finance Board, who approved the use of funds for the project. “When we went for approval, each and every person said they were impressed that we were able to pull these partners together to make this project happen,” said Jerry Velazquez, President and CEO of The Authority. “Nothing happens without cooperation. Nothing happens without support.”

That cooperation extended to Trenton. In January 2024, the Educational Facilities Construction Financing Act was amended in part to provide alternative ways for school districts and local boards of education to finance projects. The provision allowed for The Authority to issue bonds to finance the costs of the project.

The legislation was co-sponsored by local officials, including Senator John Burzichelli, Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, and Assemblyman Dave Bailey, Jr., who represent the third legislative district, which includes Upper Deerfield.

In addition to cooperation at the state and county level, officials also praised the speed and working relationship between the Township and school board. “This was a very timely thing where action had to happen, and the cooperation was second to none,” said Upper Deerfield Township Deputy Mayor John Crilley.

“It’s relationships and the commitment everybody has to the kids, said Dr. Koza. “That’s what got this done.”

In addition to its environmental related initiatives, The Authority is responsible for the development, financing and project management of projects and programs most vital to sustaining the economic and environmental future of Cumberland County and the state of New Jersey. The Authority works in tandem with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen County Commissioners to foster greater economic growth, business development and quality of life for all Cumberland County residents.