Partner for Annapolis, Southwest Schools

Nova Learning is the preferred partner to build five schools with the Annapolis Valley and Southwest regional school boards.

In making the announcement, Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said today: "School construction is on target. We're now ready to build as quickly as Nova Learning can work with school boards and communities, and get the schools under way."

New schools are: Annapolis West Elementary; Greenwood-Kingston Middle; Kentville/Canning High; Barrington-Port La Tour Elementary; and Blockhouse/Mahone Bay Elementary. Project details and scheduling can now be discussed with both school boards. At the same time, lease and financing arrangements will be finalized.

Nova Learning has considerable experience in working with school boards and communities on new schools. Nova Learning is already a partner with the Southwest board for Meadowfields Elementary, and has been applauded for community involvement in school projects in Halifax and Hants East.

"I am pleased we will be working again with the Nova team to build our much-needed schools for Southwest," said Ann Jones, superintendent of the Southwest Regional School Board.

Added Jim Gunn, superintendent of the Annapolis Valley board: "I am pleased that this announcement paves the way for the construction of new schools."

Teams of school board and government representatives evaluated detailed proposals from a short list of partners. Mr. Harrison thanked school board staff and members for their time and commitment over the summer. Two school board office staff and one principal represented the Annapolis Valley board. The superintendent and three board staff represented the Southwest board.

Consultation with school boards and the community will continue to be a strength in planning for all new schools. Leases will be based on a predetermined all-inclusive price covering construction, operating, maintenance and new technology costs for 20 years. This means stable, predictable costs for school boards, and risk-sharing arrangements consistent with recommendations by the auditor general.

Along with new school construction, the department is working with school boards on project details and scheduling of renovation projects to be carried out over the next three years.