Amherst School Construction Begins
The lease is signed and shovels are in the ground today, April 21, at the site for the new Amherst High School.
"It's full steam ahead from here on in," Premier Russell MacLellan said. "The students, teachers and community have waited a long time for this new school. Now, with construction under way, they will see their dream turn into reality."
About 900 students will attend the new high school, which is being built in partnership with Ashford Investments. The school will have modern labs --including science, family studies, technology education labs --a library and multimedia centre, a full-size gymnasium, a cafeteria and computers in every classroom and learning areas. Through a partnership under discussion with Amherst town council and Cumberland municipality, a theatre will be available to students and to the community.
This agreement marks a significant step forward in school financing with private partners --the first to be negotiated under a new process announced by Premier MacLellan in December 1997.
"We've learned a lot throughout the process, and we've put those lessons to work," said Wayne Gaudet, Minister of Education and Culture. "This agreement sets a new standard --we're getting great schools at a very good price."
The agreement is based on an all-in price, within the budget announced in July 1998. The annual base payment, which covers construction, furniture, equipment and financing, is $1.7 million. The operating agreement covers utilities, daily maintenance --including cleaning and related supplies, landscaping and snow removal --all repairs and renovations, and new technology for the next 20 years. This means no unexpected costs for the local school board.
The school will be maintained and operated by board employees. Ashford Investments also agrees to comply with collective agreements between the school board and its custodial and maintenance staff.
The premier praised the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board for its leadership. "Your board was willing to try a new approach to building schools, putting the needs of students first and bringing a much-needed new school to your community," Premier MacLellan said.
The school is being built on the grounds of the former APSEA School in Amherst. Demolition on the site is now taking place, clearing the way for construction to begin within weeks. The school is expected to be turned over to the regional school board in April 2000. A decision on when students attend will be made as the project progresses.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder on the Amherst High School service agreement is available. Please call 902-424-4492 or e-mail [email protected] for a copy.