Two New Schools Plus Renovations for Truro Students

Truro is getting two new elementary schools plus renovations to an Acadian school.

The schools are part of a series of multi-year investments to improve and build schools for Nova Scotia's students.

"Young Nova Scotians need healthy learning environments to succeed in school and in life," said Justice Minister Jamie Muir, on behalf of Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "We're building two new schools and renovating a third to give Truro students improved facilities in which to learn and grow."

Construction will begin on Truro West Elementary in 2004-05. The $7 million school will serve 300 students when it opens in 2006- 07.

The 26,350 square foot school will have 11 classrooms plus learning support and reading recovery rooms. It will have a library, seminar room, visual arts and music rooms as well as a cafeteria and a 3,250 square foot gym.

Construction will begin on Truro South Elementary in 2006-07 and will be completed in 2008-09. The $8.5 million school will accommodate 500 students.

It will have 19 classrooms, learning support and reading recovery rooms, and visual arts and music rooms. The 37,880 square foot new school will also have a library, cafeteria and 5,240 square foot gym.

"Truro's youngest students will get a great start at learning and at life with this investment in two new schools," said Raymond Tynes, member of the Chignecto Central Regional School Board. "It's also helpful for our school board to know the long-term plan for new and renovated schools for our students."

The Conseil scolaire acadien provincial will get $4.8 million for expansions to École acadienne de Truro. The work will begin in 2007 and be completed by 2009.

The renovations include more classroom space, a library and resource centre, a fine arts centre, family studies, technology and distance education spaces, and a science lab. The school will also get upgrades to heating and ventilation systems, new windows, flooring upgrades and playground equipment.

School boards submit their priorities for new schools and renovations to the Department of Education. The department asks a capital construction committee to review the board priorities in order to develop a provincial priority list. The committee includes representatives from the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, and the departments of Education, Finance, and Transportation and Public Works.