The Department of Education has unveiled a new Capital Construction Plan which will see over $35,000,000 being directed into various school repairs and additions throughout the province. The Project is a multi-year deal that will not only enhance the infrastructure of ten schools, but also ensure that the maintenance of all schools in PEI is an ongoing priority.
For more information contact: Gar Andrew, Director of Administration and Finance, Department of Education at (902) 368-4605
This initiative represents an injection of capital which will serve to improve the educational system on a province-wide basis. While the structural changes will be noticed immediately, the benefits to students, educators and support staff will be evident over a longer period of time.
Planning has been completed and construction of a new Athena school will begin in April, while renovations at Glen Stewart start immediately.
New schools will be constructed in West Royalty and Fort Augustus. Planning for West Royalty will begin in 1998-99, and for Fort Augustus in 1999. Renovation work will also begin on Summerside Intermediate School in 1999.
Schools identified as a priority for major work include Montague Intermediate and Bluefield Senior High. Planning, and construction, for Montague begins immediately. Planning for Bluefield will start later this year. Renovations are also intended for Miscouche Consolidated, Parkdale Elementary and Kinkora High School, with planning for these schools to commence in 2000.
"In making our decision to invest monies in our educational system, we looked to the recommendations made in the Priority List, forwarded to the Department by the Western School Board, and to the invaluable information we received from the Facilities Review conducted under the auspices of the Eastern School District," said Minister of Education, Chester Gillan. "This financial impetus is indicative of our steadfast commitment to providing the best possible education for every Island student. The Capital Construction Plan represents a vision which will place Island schools at the head of the class in the 21st century. Our continued commitment to students will be quite evident in the weeks ahead as we make further announcements on several new initiatives in programming."
Plans for major repairs and maintenance are being finalized, with the co-operation of the respective School Boards.