Renovations to Rejuvenate Schools
Premier John Hamm has announced a $17.5-million investment in renovations to rejuvenate five Nova Scotia schools.
It's the first in a series of multi-year investments to improve and build schools for Nova Scotia's students.
"Our students need safe, healthy environments where they can learn and grow to their full potential," said Premier Hamm. "With this investment, we're giving good schools the renovations they need to serve our students well into the future."
The premier made the announcement today, June 6, in the multipurpose room at New Minas Elementary School. The school's 325 students filled the room, which is currently used as a gym.
The New Minas school will get $2.9 million to build a new gym as well as a music room and library. Converted classrooms currently serve as the library and music room. Work on the renovations will begin in 2003-04 and be completed in 2007-08.
Glooscap Elementary School in Canning will also get a new gym, music room and library. The $3.3 million renovation will also include upgrades to the heating system, washrooms, and wiring for technology in classrooms. Work on the renovations will begin in 2004-05 and be completed in 2008-09.
"Getting gymnasiums and cafeterias added to several of our elementary schools has been identified as a top priority of the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board," said Jim Gunn, superintendent of the board, on behalf of board chair Shirley Jackson. "We're pleased that government has been able to respond to this need. It will be good for our students to get upgraded facilities."
An old, unused section of Kings County Academy in Kentville will be torn down and new classrooms and a music room will be built. The $3.5 million renovation will begin in 2007-08 and be completed in 2010-11.
Gaspereau Valley Elementary School in Wolfville will get $3.15 million for a new gym, music room and more classrooms. There will also be enhancements to existing classrooms and washrooms. Work on the renovations will begin in 2003-04 and be completed in 2008-09.
Other renovation projects already underway in this area include Wolfville School, Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge Station and West Kings District High School in Auburn.
Premier Hamm is also visiting Chester Area Middle School today where a major $4.7 million renovation will begin in 2003-04.
The school will get a new gym, cafeteria and music room. The roof and windows will be replaced. There will also be upgrades to technology education and home economics areas, classrooms, the library, and the heating system. The renovations will be completed in 2007-08.