Groundbreaking For New Long Branch School Set For Sept. 24

The groundbreaking for the George L. Catrambone School has been set for Monday, Sept. 24.

The school will be located on the site of the old Elberon Elementary School, which was demolished in 2009, at 240 Park Ave.

Long Branch School District Superintendent said construction could take about 22 months.

Terminal Construction Corp. of Wood Ridge, was the lowest responsible bidder for the project and awarded a $27.5 million general construction contract for the construction of the new school, according to Long Branch School District Facility Manager Ann Degnan.

Salvatore said the school will be important because it will help overcrowding concerns for the district. When the original Elberon School was demolished, many students were relocated to the Gregory and Anastasia schools, causing some of the overcrowding concerns.

"We're currently maximizing every room," Salvatore said in a recent interview.

He said enrollment is close 5,600 students this year and that the number has increased over the last four years.

Patch will be there to cover the groundbreaking ceremony next week and will have a full story posted on Monday.