Jackson, New Jersey- June 10, 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District (OCVTS) as the community gathered for the Groundbreaking Ceremony of a new addition to the Jackson Campus. Located at 850 Toms River Road in Jackson, New Jersey, the ceremony heralded the beginning of construction for a 24,865 square foot expansion project to enhance educational opportunities and to strengthen the local workforce in the construction and medical sectors.

The Jackson Campus addition, slated to be completed by September 2025, is a testament to the commitment of OCVTS in providing state-of-the-art training facilities for its students. This expansion will feature four shops, four classrooms, and a new enhanced security vestibule, underscoring the district's dedication to preparing students for careers in high-demand fields in construction and healthcare. Career and technical education (CTE) programs offered at the Jackson Campus play a crucial role in supplying the workforce with skilled professionals who are essential to the growth and sustainability of industries like construction and healthcare. Through hands-on training and specialized coursework, students gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in these sectors, whether they choose to pursue careers as construction workers, healthcare technicians, or medical professionals. Furthermore, by investing in CTE, OCVTS not only meets the immediate needs of these industries, but also contributes to the long-term economic prosperity of the region by supplying a skilled workforce that drives innovation, productivity, and growth.

With programs in Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and Medical Assisting, this addition will not only help alleviate the waitlist the district is presently experiencing, but also open doors for more students to pursue their desired area of training. Each of the 4 programs can hold 48 students, providing a total of 192 seats for potential students in these 4 vocational programs. This expansion represents our ongoing efforts to provide an enhanced learning experience for our students. It signifies OCVTS district’s commitment to ensure that every student has access to quality education and the opportunity to excel in their chosen field.

The shops will be equipped with cutting-edge equipment and tools tailored to meet the demands of modern industry, offering students the chance to earn industry-valued credentials and accelerated pathways to careers. This initiative is made possible through the support of the Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act.

The expansion project for OCVTS is a collaborative effort involving key partners such as MPE Consulting & Design, Colliers Engineering & Design, Hall Building Corporation, and Yezzi Associates Architects & Planners, among others. Together, these entities bring their expertise and experience to the table, ensuring that the expansion project meets the highest standards of excellence in both design and construction. Through their collaborative efforts, these partners play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education within the district, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities conducive to learning and growth.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony was attended by esteemed officials, including Virginia Haines, Commissioner and OCVTS Liaison; Barbara Jo Crea, Commissioner Director; Frank Sadeghi, Commissioner; Stephen Scaturro, OCVTS Board of Education President; Ronald Rosetto, Board Member; Karen Homiek, Superintendent; Dr. Michael Maschi, Assistant Superintendent; Stephen Brennan, School Business Administrator; Gary MacDonald, Director of Curriculum and Grants; Ed Crawford, Manager of Facility and Grounds; and John Biscardi, OCVTS Jackson Principal.

Beyond its impact on education, the expansion project holds broader significance for the local community. It is expected to stimulate job creation, foster partnerships with local businesses in the construction and medical fields, and generate economic benefits that will ripple through the area.

As construction commences, the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District looks forward to the completion of this transformative addition, which will empower students, enrich the community, and shape the future of vocational education in Ocean County.



About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.