Strait Schools Another Step Closer
New schools needed in the Strait Region 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 seven schools across the region.
A regional team -- including government officials and five Strait Regional School Board representatives -- evaluated nine submissions, and narrowed the list to four groups. The short-listed groups are: Access Technologies; Armoyan Group; Ashford Investments; and Nova Learning.
"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 seven schools identified as priorities by the Strait Regional School Board are: Central Inverness International Academy; North Inverness Education Centre/Academy; Central Inverness Education Centre; East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy; Port Hawkesbury Education Centre; Richmond Academy; and West Antigonish Education Centre. Final site selection for all new schools will be made after the private sector partner is selected, in consultation with government, the school board and school communities.
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, the Department of Education and Culture is working with school boards on renovation projects.