Education Minister Gordon MacInnis says the Western School Board's proposal for capital construction will be reviewed within the context of the government's priorities. He says that while the proposal has received top billing in the public eye over the past month, it must be considered within the entire educational framework, taking into account such factors as programming and instruction.
"This government is committed to providing youth with quality education programming," said the Hon. Gordon MacInnis. "Support for teachers, instructional materials, and the improvement of instruction are particularly important. As well, schools must be safe and comfortable. However, school buildings are a means to an end. Enhancement of facilities will not, by itself, guarantee improvement of the educational system. It is important, therefore, that appropriate priority is given to other factors which influence student learning, and that funds devoted toward school capital projects are adequate but not excessive."
The Minister's comments are in response to the proposal for capital construction projects submitted by the Western School Board. The proposal includes three options. These include renovations and additions to schools and, in some instances, the construction of new buildings. Cost estimates for the options range from $27,313,849 to $30,058,786.
Mr. MacInnis says the continuation of capital investments, to ensure safe and comfortable Island schools, remains a government priority. He notes that over the past few years, substantial funds were designated to install advanced air handling equipment in schools. Air quality related projects have been completed at 11 schools at a cost of approximately $6 million dollars.
He says the Capital Repair Program, established during the 1996 Session of the Legislative Assembly, is further indication of the government's commitment to healthy schools. "Last May, we announced $2 million would be allocated for capital repair projects such as carpet replacement, roof repairs, repair of exterior brick surfaces, and replacement of windows," said Mr. MacInnis. "As well, during the past year, officials from the Department of Transportation and Public Works conducted an examination of all school facilities across the province. Capital repair projects were identified and a multi-year plan for the repairing of school buildings has been established."
The Minister points out that school boards also have a responsibility for school building maintenance and repair programs. In addition to the extra funding through the Capital Repair Program, school boards are provided with a yearly budget for renovations, repairs and equipment. This budget is based on a rate of $35 for each student enrolled in schools that have been in operation for at least four years.
With the review process underway, the Minister says the condition of schools across the province will continue to be monitored over the next several months. He also says a number of factors will be considered throughout the review including the impact of the decrease in the number of births within the province, the projected decline in elementary school populations over the next few years, and the consequent decrease in requirements for space. Additional information will be obtained from the school board and other sources where necessary. Mr. MacInnis adds it may also be possible that additional options will require investigation.
"Decisions concerning the education of our youth and large expenditures of public funds require careful analysis and a full consideration of all the alternatives," said the Minister of Education. "When it comes to large expenditures, taxpayers expect the government to make responsible and informed decisions. And rightly so. This is a decision that will affect future generations including those students who are enrolled in schools now and who will become the tax payers of the future."
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Lori Smith
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368-6449