Meadowfields School Lease Signed
The Department of Education and Culture has signed its newest lease for the development of a school by the private sector. Meadowfields Community School will be built just outside Yarmouth by the company TR3LC Nova.
Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said consultation ensured stakeholders would receive what they wanted with Meadowfields.
"Signing the Meadowfields school lease signals the completion of a successful public consultation process involving teachers, parents, and community members. Government and private-sector partners are confident Meadowfields will exceed expectations for students, teachers and the community in general," said Mr. Harrison.
Ann Jones, superintendent of schools for the Southwest Regional School Board, said Meadowfields is a school for the future.
"Solid community involvement has resulted in plans for a new school that focuses on the environment and which will ensure the students of Yarmouth County are well-equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century," said Ms. Jones
Opening in time for the 1999 school year, Meadowfields school will provide a technologically advanced learning centre for 590 Primary to Grade 6 students. A telecommunications link to all schools in the area will usher in a new era of information-sharing. The link will allow schools full access to all program and administrative software available to Meadowfields. In addition, Meadowfields students will enjoy access to a multimedia library, and a computer centre that will support the school's networked classrooms.
Serving students artistic and cultural needs are an arts studio, stage and music room. All of these facilities are also linked to the school's technology centres.
Consultations with the community have enabled private-and public-sector partners to design a school that is a focal point for the community. Contributions from the Southwest Regional School Board and the municipalities of Yarmouth and Yarmouth County have provided for an enlarged gymnasium complex, which will serve as a hub of community activity.
Recreation facilities at Meadowfields include the expanded gymnasium, a soccer field and basketball court. Students will also benefit from an environmental education area to help promote student environmental activities.
The Department of Education and Culture will lease Meadowfields from TR3LC Nova for about $88,000 a month over 20 years, beginning Sept. 1, 1999.
A ground-breaking ceremony for the school will take place Thursday, Sept. 3, 1998, at 9:30 a.m. The site is near the corner of Prospect and Pleasant streets in Yarmouth.