The doors to the new $5.8 million Athena Consolidated School in Summerside were officially opened today by Athena students, staff, parents, Western School Board representatives, and government officials. The opening of Athena Consolidated marks the first new school to be built in the province in over six years.
"Creating better learning environments helps to ensure Prince Edward Island students are the best educated they can be," said Education Minister Chester Gillan. "This is an important investment because well-educated students are the key to a better future and a stronger Island economy."
The new Athena School is a single story, masonry-style building covering 58,300 square feet. The school has 18 classrooms, as well as specialty space for music, science, resource, special education, gymnasium, industrial arts, home economics and technology.
"The opening of the new Athena Consolidated School is an example of our government's commitment to building stronger Island communities," said Premier Pat Binns. The Premier added that investing in PEI's education system improves learning environments and makes sure Island students are equipped to seize the opportunities available in a knowledge-based economy.
Construction of Athena Consolidated started in April 1998 and was completed on schedule and on budget by late December. The design of the new facility was completed by Guimond & Associates. The general contractor for the construction project was Schurman Construction Ltd.
Athena is the first school to be constructed under the province's Capital Construction Plan for Island schools which was announced last spring. The plan will see over $35-million invested into various school repairs and additions throughout the province. The multi-year plan will not only enhance the infrastructure of 10 Island schools, but also provide for the on-going capital maintenance of all schools in PEI.