A New Team for School Construction

New schools for Nova Scotian children are another step closer today with the development of the new Facilities Planning and Operations Branch of the Department of Education and Culture.

Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said government is undertaking the most ambitious school construction program in the history of government. "Nova Scotian children urgently need new schools," Mr. Harrison said. "The new branch brings the people and resources together to get as many schools built and renovated as quickly and efficiently as possible."

The new branch was presented at a media briefing today. Deputy Minister Lloyd Gillis, branch executive director Doug Nauss, private sector partner Kirk MacCulloch, and principal Alan Dawe of O'Connell Drive Elementary School led the information session on progress in school construction to date. Partners for 31 new schools across the province will be announced later this week.

The Facilities Planning and Operations Branch is divided into three areas: operations, project management and leasing. As executive director, Mr. Nauss leads the branch in all school construction and renovations projects. Each division has a director and staff with a mix of educational, technical, financial and managerial expertise.

The branch will work in close partnerships with school boards, teachers, communities, municipalities and private sector partners to develop schools that meet the needs of children and their communities.