Minister Announces Truro School Projects

Education Minister Jane Purves announced plans today for a major upgrade of Truro's Alice Street Elementary School and the designation of a homogeneous French school for the same community.

The minister said the Alice Street school will be upgraded either at its current location or its students moved to a renovated facility at the former Residential Centre for Girls. The first step will be consultation with the community on which of the two options is preferable.

"We want to know what the community thinks. By working with the community and the school board, and looking at what gives the taxpayer best value for their dollar, we will find the best option for Truro," said Ms. Purves.

Both options would included the construction of a new gymnasium and other required amenities.

Ms. Purves also announced that the academic building at the former Residential Centre for Girls will become the new home for Truro-area Acadian students. French-first students currently attend classes in a wing of the Cobequid Educational Centre.

"It's clear that entitled Acadian students have the right to be educated in a homogeneous French school. Today's announcement is a further demonstration of the government's commitment to abide by charter and recent court rulings," the minister said.

The Truro school projects were made possible when the Department of Community Services agreed to turn over a portion of the Residential Centre for Girls property to the Department of Education.