New Gymnasiums and Music Rooms for Two Valley Schools

Students at Somerset and District Elementary School in Berwick and St. Mary's Elementary in Aylesford will enjoy new gymnasiums, music rooms and improved cafeterias at their schools.

MLA Jon Carey made the announcement today, June 10, on behalf of Education Minister Angus MacIsaac.

"These renovations are important to the staff and students at both schools and will give them the best learning environment possible," said Mr. Carey.

The province will invest just over $2.8 million for the renovations to Somerset and District Elementary School. Work will begin in September 2004 and should be completed in the 2008-09 school year. The project will include the addition of a new gym and music room. The school's multi-purpose room will be converted into a cafeteria.

St. Mary's Elementary will also receive a new gym and music room. Its multi-purpose room will be converted into a cafeteria and an elevator will be installed. The renovations will cost $2.9 million. Work will begin this year and should be completed by the 2008-09 school year.

"The board has been very concerned about the elementary schools in our region that do not have proper gymnasiums and cafeterias," said Shirley Jackson, chair of the Annapolis Valley School Board. "Getting gyms and cafeterias for these schools is a priority of the board so we are very happy with this announcement."

Mr. Carey also confirmed the province's commitment to a $6.5 million renovation project for Le Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial school, École Rose des Vents in Greenwood. An elevator will be added along with new bus loops and safer bus drop-off points. The school's gym and exterior walls will also be upgraded.

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

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.