Annapolis Valley/Southwest Schools Step Closer

New schools needed in the Annapolis Valley and Southwest regions are another step closer today.

In the first stage, interested companies were short-listed. Now in stage two, the short-listed groups are preparing detailed proposals to build five schools across the regions.

A regional team -- including government officials and seven representatives from the Annapolis Valley and Southwest regional school boards -- evaluated 15 submissions, and narrowed the list to three groups. The short-listed groups are: Access Technologies; Nova Learning; and SAC Laval in.

"We urgently need schools, and - with a highly competitive field

• we're on target to deliver good schools, within budget, as quickly as interested companies can build them," Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said.

The Annapolis Valley Regional School board has three schools on the provincial priority list: Annapolis West Elementary; Greenwood-Kingston Middle; and Kentville/Canning High. The Southwest Regional School Board has two: Barrington-Port La Tour Elementary and Blockhouse Elementary/Mahone Bay.

Work is already under way in this second stage. Proposal requirements include a detailed vision, budget, financing and leasing arrangements, and plans for community consultation and timely school construction.

"Each interested group knows we want to see urgently-needed schools open as quickly as possible," Mr. Harrison said. "We expect our partners to deliver."

Companies must submit detailed proposals by July 31. Once a partner is selected for each region, the partner will work closely with government, school boards and communities on schedules and other project details. In all cases, leases will be signed before construction begins.

In addition to the 31 new schools announced in December 1997, six additional schools are already being planned or under construction, including Horton District High, Meadowfields Elementary and Aspotogan Elementary. As well, the Department of Education and Culture is working with school boards on renovation projects, including a major renovation project for Digby High.