After extensive consultation and excellent cooperation, government has found a long-term solution for the space issues at Miscouche Consolidated, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie.
“Over the last number of months, we have been working to find funding to alleviate overcrowding at the school,” said Mr. Currie. “After a visit to the school, department officials recognized the immediate need for space to ensure a quality instructional and learning environment. It was clear that a short-term solution would not be appropriate and the decision was made to expedite plans that had been discussed months earlier. Now, we have a solution that will work for the current population and generations to come.”
With the cooperation of all government departments, the province is able to commit $2.1 million dollars for an expansion at Miscouche Consolidated school. The renovation will solve the long-standing space issues by providing new classrooms and an area for industrial arts. It will also address challenges in delivering the music program.
“This renovation is wonderful news for students, staff and residents of Miscouche,” said Dale Sabean, superintendent of the Western School Board. “A tremendous amount of work has been done over the last number of months on this issue. Many individuals have been working very hard on behalf of Miscouche Consolidated, especially staff from the Departments of Education and Early Childhood and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, trustees and staff from the Western School Board, as well as MLAs Sonny Gallant and Paula Biggar. The needs of Miscouche students were recognized and, in the end, everyone worked together to come up with a solution that will benefit the school and the community for many years.”
A construction planning committee will be formed immediately. It will include members of the Western School Board, Miscouche Consolidated School, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Planning will begin immediately and the space is expected to be ready for September 2011.